LOS ANGELES, CA – A 40-year-old Walnut man was arrested after police said he struck and killed a bicyclist in West Covina early Saturday, fled the scene and was later booked on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run and driving under the influence.
The collision occurred around 4:47 a.m. on Aug. 29 near the intersection of Amar Road and Leanna Drive, according to the West Covina Police Department.
Responding officers found a bicyclist unresponsive in the roadway with severe traumatic injuries. Emergency personnel attempted to assist the victim, but the cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said investigators determined the driver responsible for the collision had left the area before officers arrived.
As the investigation progressed, detectives identified the suspected driver as Daniel Chavarin, 40, of Walnut.
Chavarin was arrested and booked into the West Covina Police Department Jail on allegations of vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run and driving under the influence, authorities said.
Police have not publicly described what evidence led investigators to identify Chavarin or what circumstances caused the collision. Authorities also have not said what substance he was suspected of being under the influence of at the time.
Information reviewed by Street People indicates the investigation remains focused both on the fatal collision itself and on the driver’s alleged decision to leave the scene.
The victim has not yet been publicly identified.
According to police, the bicyclist’s identity is expected to be released by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner after the victim’s family has been notified. The Medical Examiner is responsible for investigating certain sudden, violent and accidental deaths within Los Angeles County and determining their cause and manner.
The department’s public case-search system also notes that cases may not immediately appear when next of kin have not yet been notified, which is consistent with authorities withholding the bicyclist’s name at this stage.
Police have not released the victim’s age, hometown or additional details about the bicycle ride before the collision.
Authorities also have not publicly said whether there were witnesses, whether surveillance video was recovered, or whether the vehicle believed to have struck the cyclist was seized as evidence.
The case remains under investigation.
Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact the West Covina Police Department at 626-939-8688. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through L.A. Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
