Rosecrans Avenue at the Long Beach (710) Freeway: a 54-year-old man was struck by a driver who fled, and an electric bicycle was found at the scene
PARAMOUNT, CALIFORNIA (September 24, 2026): Melchor De la Torre, 54, was killed late Thursday night, September 24, in a Paramount hit-and-run near the on-ramp from Rosecrans Avenue to the Long Beach (710) Freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, as reported by City News Service. The driver who struck him left without stopping, and no suspect or vehicle description has been released.
A CHP spokesperson said the collision was reported shortly after 11 p.m. and that De la Torre may have been struck on Rosecrans Avenue before coming to rest on the freeway on-ramp, City News Service reported. ABC7 reported that the CHP took the initial call and that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department joined the investigation to gather evidence. An electric bicycle was found at the scene, although authorities have not said whether De la Torre was riding it at the moment of impact.
The Medical Examiner’s Office said De la Torre suffered traumatic injuries and died at the scene, and listed the manner of death as accidental. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Department have taken over the case, according to the CHP. No arrest has been announced.
Anyone who was near Rosecrans Avenue and the 710 Freeway late on the night of September 24, or who has dashcam or security video from the area, is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department or the CHP. Tips can also be shared anonymously through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Liability for the Paramount Hit-and-Run
California Vehicle Code § 20001 requires any driver involved in a crash that injures or kills a person to stop, give aid and provide identifying information. Under Vehicle Code § 21200, people riding bicycles on public roads generally have the same rights and duties as drivers, and that protection generally extends to many electric bicycles. Based on what investigators have released so far, the civil questions typically include:
- Duty to stop: Leaving De la Torre in the roadway without calling for help is a separate crime under § 20001, and that conduct can weigh heavily in how a court views the driver’s actions.
- Where the impact happened: The CHP said De la Torre may have been hit on Rosecrans Avenue and then landed on the on-ramp. Reconstructing the exact point of impact helps establish lane position, speed and visibility.
- Identifying the driver: Vehicle debris, paint transfer and cameras along Rosecrans Avenue and the freeway interchange are often how investigators trace a fleeing vehicle and its registered owner.
- Roadway conditions: Lighting, lane markings and how riders and pedestrians are expected to cross near a busy freeway ramp at night may also be reviewed, especially if a public agency controls that stretch.
Surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. That civil claim is separate from any criminal case, and it can move forward even while the driver remains unidentified, often through the family’s own insurance.
Steps to Take After a Paramount Hit-and-Run
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most bicyclist deaths in the United States happen in urban areas, and a large share occur after dark. When the driver flees, early steps can protect both the investigation and the family’s rights.
- Request the reports: Ask the Sheriff’s Department and the CHP for the collision report and the case number once they are available.
- Keep the e-bike and gear: Do not repair or throw away the electric bicycle, helmet, lights or clothing. They can show the point and angle of impact.
- Look for video: Businesses and homes along Rosecrans Avenue, as well as traffic cameras near the interchange, may have captured the vehicle. Video is often erased within days.
- Check insurance coverage: Uninsured motorist coverage on a household auto policy may apply to hit-and-run crashes. California policies generally require that a hit-and-run be reported to police within 24 hours for that coverage to apply.
Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If road design or a public agency is involved, a government claim is generally due within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating the Paramount Hit-and-Run
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Melchor De la Torre. Key questions remain: Was De la Torre struck on Rosecrans Avenue or on the freeway on-ramp, and what kind of vehicle hit him? And did any camera near the 710 interchange record the driver leaving the scene late that Thursday night?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck, bicycle or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on September 30, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on September 24, 2026.
