911 Calls Lead to Arrest in Hit-Run Death
A motorcyclist was struck and killed in San Dimas on Saturday by a driver who slammed into him from behind and then sped from the scene in full view of at least 10 witnesses, authorities said.
Officers arrested Eric Abernathy, 22, of San Dimas on suspicion of felony hit-and-run driving after witnesses began calling the emergency 911 telephone lines at the San Dimas sheriff’s substation.
“At least 10 concerned callers reported the same hit-and-run accident,” said Sheriff’s Deputy Roxanna Shuchman. “The callers and other witnesses gave deputies an excellent description of the suspect’s vehicle.”
The motorcyclist, who was in his 60s and not wearing a helmet, was not immediately identified. Shuchman said the motorcyclist died almost instantly after being struck at about 10 a.m. in the 500 block of 5th Street.
Abernathy was allegedly driving 50 to 60 m.p.h in a residential zone. His car was found a few blocks from the scene after he fled on foot.
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