Authorities search for driver in fatal South LA hit-and-run

Authorities searched today for the hit-and-run driver of a van that fatally struck a motorcycle rider in South Los Angeles.

The rider was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, said Sgt. Samuel Mark of the Los Angeles Police Department's South Traffic Division. It occurred at 120th Street and South Main Street at 8:48 p.m. Monday.

The van was heading west on 120th Street when the driver "blew a red phase tri-light and struck the motorist, who was riding south on Main Street," LAPD Detective Rodney Jones told KCAL9 at the crash scene.

Police were looking for the white van, which was probably damaged from the crash, Mark said.

Jones described the van as a white 1980s Dodge "with a blue stripe running down the middle of the vehicle." The driver was a black male with short hair wearing black jeans and a white shirt, also "with a blue stripe running down the middle," Jones told KCAL9.

Jones said he could not confirm a report that the deceased biker was a member of the Street Heat Motorcycle Club. The victim's motorcycle was a 2001 Suzuki 750cc model.

Jones appealed directly to the driver of the van in an on-camera interview. "Tonight it was only an accident," Jones said, looking directly into the camera. "If you are out there and you hear me, please go to the closest police station around, or call area code (213) 485-7336."

Mark also urged anyone with information to call South Traffic Division detectives at (323) 290-6063.