PCH ¬ó Police were searching Wednesday for the hit-and-run driver of a pickup truck that struck and killed a woman riding her bicycle on Pacific Coast Highway Tuesday night.
The woman, identified as Erin Galligan, 30, a waitress from Venice, was struck around 11:13 p.m. in the 200 block of PCH near Entrada Drive, said SMPD Sgt. Richard Lewis.
She was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses said the woman was riding southbound in the farthest right lane when she suddenly swerved into a middle lane and was struck by the driver, Lewis said.
Investigators are trying to determine why the cyclist moved out of her lane.
Police have parts from the vehicle involved and are trying to determine the exact make and model.
Galligan was leaving work and was riding a bus when she got off and continued the trip on her bike, Lewis said.
The suspect vehicle was described as a white full-size pickup truck or SUV.
The crash closed both directions of PCH for several hours but reopened before dawn.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the watch commander at (310) 458-8495.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can call the WeTip hotline at (800) 78-CRIME (27463) or submit the tip online at www.wetip.com. Callers can also contact Crime Stoppers by either calling (800) 222-TIPS, texting or by visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org. Those who provide information that leads to an arrest or conviction may be eligible for a reward, up to $1,000.
kevinh@www.smdp.com
