LOS ANGELES, CA – A hit-and-run crash in Boyle Heights left four cyclists injured late last month, prompting questions from the victims about whether the collision may have been intentional. The group had been handing out “Know Your Rights” cards to undocumented residents just moments before the incident occurred.
The collision took place around 7:45 p.m. on February 25, near the intersection of Lorena and 6th Streets. According to multiple cyclists involved, a vehicle approached from behind and struck several members of their group in quick succession. Security video reportedly captured the moments before and after impact, showing the car driving through the group and then fleeing the scene.
One cyclist attempted to block the driver’s path by standing in front of the vehicle, but the driver reportedly kept moving. Witnesses described the driver as a bald woman who appeared to be holding a cellphone at the time of the crash. The group managed to capture a photograph of the vehicle’s license plate, which has been provided to authorities.
Four people were injured in the crash. One cyclist sustained a head injury and was hospitalized overnight. Others received less serious injuries, but all remain shaken.
Prior to the crash, the group had been distributing informational “Red Cards” to local residents. The cards, which outline rights and protections for undocumented individuals during encounters with immigration authorities, have been circulated widely in immigrant communities, especially since the issuance of federal immigration enforcement orders during the Trump administration.
While there is no confirmed link between the group’s outreach and the crash, some cyclists expressed concern that their activity may have been a factor.
“We don’t know if she saw us doing that and that triggered her, or if it was an accident. Maybe she didn’t see us. Maybe she hates cyclists,” said Daniel Flores, one of the victims.
Nancy Lopez, another cyclist struck during the incident, described the collision in vivid detail. “I saw our other cyclist friend almost go up in the air, and I saw her just run right into him and he crashed onto her windshield,” she said.
“The impact she made with the woman’s car ripped her mirror off and dented the vehicle,” Lopez added. “You would think you would stop and be like ‘Oh my god, what did I hit,’ if she was distracted, but she went right back out and then she plowed, full speed again, right into another cyclist.”
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that officers responded to a call for the hit-and-run but has not provided updates on the status of the investigation. It remains unclear whether any suspect has been identified or if an arrest is imminent.
The case remains open, and the victims are urging authorities to investigate the possibility of a hate-motivated incident. Community members have also called for greater protections for cyclists and immigrant advocates operating in public spaces.
