Man Killed Trying to Cross Freeway Lanes
A Valencia man was killed Saturday morning as he ran across the Antelope Valley Freeway to try to reach a call box after his vehicle blew a tire, a California Highway Patrol officer said.
The victim, in his late 20s, had been driving northbound about 2:30 a.m. when his front left tire went flat, CHP Officer Rick Miler said.
He pulled onto the center divider and jumped over it to try to reach an emergency call box on the southbound side of the freeway, Miler said. The man was crossing the traffic lanes when he was struck by a Toyota 4-Runner and killed instantly, Miler said.
The driver of the sports utility vehicle won’t face criminal charges, said police, who added that the driver was traveling the normal rate of speed.
Police are awaiting toxicology tests to determine if the victim was under the influence.
Police have not released the man’s name pending notification of his family.
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