Filmmaker Run Over and Killed on Freeway

A Canoga Park man who police said was on the verge of landing his first major documentary film project was run down and killed late Saturday after confronting a carload of youths throwing eggs at his Jeep.

Michael Craven, 44, was pronounced dead at Cedars Sinai Hospital in West Hollywood about 1:50 a.m. Sunday, after suffering internal injuries when he was struck by a sport utility vehicle, said Los Angeles Police Det. Vince Bancroft.

“His career was just taking off,” Bancroft said. “To have it wiped out over a dozen eggs on his car, it’s a shame. It’s too bad he didn’t have another plan in mind.”

Though the exact cause of the apparent road rage killing was not known, witnesses said occupants of a new black Chevrolet Suburban were throwing eggs at Craven’s Jeep as the vehicles were going south on the Ventura Freeway near Barham Boulevard.

At one point, Craven tried to block their path in the slow lane and then got out of his jeep, Bancroft said.

According to witnesses, “he got out and started to walk toward the Suburban and when he was dead center on the hood, the driver hit the gas and drove directly over him,” Bancroft said.

Police are seeking at least two suspects in connection with Craven’s death, including the driver of the Suburban and a passenger who was seen in the vehicle.

Authorities are looking for a black Suburban with all tinted windows and a dealer placard. It may have damage to its front end.

Craven had come to Los Angeles from Louisville, Ky., to pursue a career in documentary filmmaking. He ran Michael Craven Productions from his Canoga Park home.