Driver Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run of Bicyclist in Highland Park

A motorist was charged last week with the fatal hit-and-run death of a bicyclist recently in Highland Park, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced. Alexis Virto (DOB 10/20/93) of Los Angeles was charged with one count each of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury, driving with a .08% blood alcohol content causing injury and hit and run driving resulting in death or serious injury to another person.

He is scheduled to be arraigned today in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. On June 26 at about 3 a.m., Virto was driving northbound on Figueroa Street near Pasadena Avenue when he is accused of hitting 33-year-old cyclist Jose Luna with his vehicle. Investigators believe Virto was driving between 60 and 80 mph and the impact of the crash severed one of the victim’s legs. Prosecutors said Virto reportedly drove away with Luna on his hood for about 200 yards. Virto allegedly abandoned his car and was later arrested at his home. Prosecutors are recommending bail be set at $130,000. If convicted as charged, Virto faces up to six years in state prison. Case BA437697 remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Traffic Division.

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