Authorities seek help in identifying driver who struck cyclist, forcing leg amputation

Authorities are looking for the driver of a minivan that struck a cyclist whose leg had to be amputated below the knee after he was dragged on the Zoo Drive on-ramp for 600 feet.

In addition to amputation, the cyclist, Damian Kevitt, 36, of Los Angeles, suffered numerous broken bones and severe road rash on his chest and back, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Kevitt was heading west on Zoo Drive toward the Golden State (5) Freeway on Sunday at about 11:35 a.m. when the motorist, stopped in heavy traffic, made a sudden left turn and struck the cyclist, the CHP said.

Kevitt fell to the ground and became lodged in the undercarriage of what witnesses described as an older gray Toyota Sienna, according to the CHP.

At that point, the motorist allegedly accelerated and dragged Kevitt 600 feet until he was dislodged from the minivan.

The motorist never stopped and continued traveling south on the 5 Freeway, authorities said.

The minivan was described as having a “For sale” sign with the partial phone number of (213) XXX-0776 posted in the rear window.

Anyone with information on the collision, or who may have seen the motorist, was encouraged to call the CHP Altadena Station at (626) 296-8100.

-- Veronica Rocha, Times Community News

Follow Veronica Rocha on Google+ and on Twitter: @VeronicaRochaLA.