A hit-and-run crash in Boyle Heights left four cyclists injured after a driver plowed into them and fled the scene. The cyclists say they tried to stop the driver, but she refused to slow down or provide help. Now, they believe the attack may have been intentional, as they were handing out informational “Red Cards” to undocumented community members just before the crash.
The crash happened on February 25 around 7:45 p.m. near Lorena and 6th streets. Security footage shows the moment the car came out of nowhere and slammed into the group from behind, knocking them off their bikes one by one. One of the cyclists attempted to stand in front of the vehicle to stop the driver, but the driver continued moving forward and fled the scene.
The cyclists were able to capture a picture of the car’s license plate. Witnesses described the driver as a bald woman who appeared to be distracted by her phone at the time of the hit-and-run.
What has raised further suspicion among the victims is the timing of the incident. Moments before the crash, the group had been handing out “Red Cards,” also known as “Know Your Rights” cards, to undocumented community members. These cards are designed to inform individuals of their legal rights and how to respond if approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
“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,” said Daniel Flores. “Maybe she hates cyclists.”
“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,” Nancy Lopez said.
The Los Angeles Unified School District began distributing these cards to students following former President Donald Trump’s executive order allowing ICE agents to enter certain areas.
The group now wonders whether the driver deliberately targeted them due to their advocacy work with undocumented residents. The search for the driver is ongoing, and police are investigating whether the crash was an accident or an intentional act of violence.
