California cyclist dies after being hit by car and stabbed by driver, authorities say

A California cyclist died Thursday after being hit by a car and then stabbed to death by the driver, authorities said.

The alleged attack happened around 3 p.m. PT near the intersection of the Pacific Coast Highway and the Crown Valley Parkway in Dana Point, a cliffside beach town in Orange County. , in southern California, about 60 miles southwest of Los Angeles. Deputies arrived at the scene to find a cyclist – identified as Michael John Mammone, 58 – “lying at the intersection with serious injuries,” the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release. .

Mammone was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to the sheriff’s department. He worked as an emergency physician at Providence Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach, according to Los Angeles ABC station KABC.

Investigators learned that Mammone was cycling northbound on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway when he was struck from behind by a vehicle. The driver – identified as Vanroy Evan Smith, 39, of Long Beach – then got out of the car and “assaulted Mammone with a knife,” the sheriff’s department said.

The moment of impact was captured on video by a Ring doorbell camera mounted in front of a nearby house, KABC reported.

When deputies arrived at the scene, Smith was being held by bystanders. He was later taken into custody and incarcerated in the Orange County jail on suspicion of murder, according to the sheriff’s department.

A knife believed to have been used in the alleged assault was found at the scene, the sheriff’s department said. The incident is being investigated by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Department.

“At this time, there is no known connection between the suspect and the victim,” the sheriff’s department added. “Investigators will work to determine what led to this incident.”

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-288-6740. Information may also be provided anonymously through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.