Bicyclist Killed in University City Crash with SDPD Car

LATEST: From the NBC7 broadcast news, we learn that the bicyclist (Walter Freeman) was likely moving left across the southbound lanes of Genesee Avenue to turn left onto Governor Drive when he was struck from behind by the police cruiser, also traveling southbound, apparently at the posted 45 m.p.h. Because the police car was traveling at non-emergency speeds, lights and siren were not activated. The officer stopped at the scene and called for emergency medical assistance.

UPDATE: We learn from NBC7 that the police car was traveling without lights or sirens and that the bicyclist was heading southbound on Genesee in the bike lane before moving to the left. We do not yet know whether the bicyclist was attempting to turn left onto Governor Drive, and we do not know in which direction the SDPD cruiser was traveling, or the rate of speed. We also do not yet know whether the bicyclist entered the intersection with or against the light.

A bicyclist was killed this morning when he was struck by a San Diego Police Department cruiser in University City. The crash occurred in the 3900 block of Governor Drive at the intersection with Genesee Avenue. According to SignOnSanDiego, the bicyclist was struck when he made a left turn directly in front of the patrol car. The police officer involved was responding to a call, but it is currently not known whether the car had its lights and sirens activated, or how fast it was traveling. We’ll stay on top of the story and update as soon as there is more information.

See coverage of the story at SDNN and SignOnSanDiego.