An inquiry is ongoing after a doctor cycling on a highway in Orange County was struck by a Lexus and subsequently stabbed by the driver, who was then detained by horrified spectators.
Michael Mammone, 58, died after being struck from behind by a white Lexus while riding on the Pacific Coast Highway near Dana Point, according to authorities in Southern California.
After the collision, the Lexus driver left his vehicle and stabbed Mammone.
According to witnesses, the suspect assaulted the cyclist and stabbed him in the back at least once.
Michael Mammone was identified as the rider
Mammone died after being rear-ended by a white Lexus while riding in the Dana Point region on the Pacific Coast Highway.
At approximately 3 p.m., the Orange County Fire Authority responded to a call of a cyclist being struck by a car near the intersection of Crown Valley Parkway and East Pacific Coast Highway.
The man, later identified by officials as Vanroy Evan Smith, 39, of Long Beach, was apprehended by bystanders and jailed on suspicion of murder.
A knife, thought to have been used in the attack, was found at the crime scene. The sheriff’s office has not yet disclosed whether or if a firearm was also discovered.
According to authorities, there appears to be no connection between the victim and the suspect.
Since 2011, Mammone has worked as an emergency room physician at Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach.
The hospital stated in a statement, “We are shocked by this tragic event.” The whole Mission Hospital family mourns the loss of an extraordinary doctor and friend. We will continue to deliver great treatment in honor of Dr. Mammone’s commitment to our community and love for medicine.
At approximately 3 p.m., the Orange County Fire Authority responded to a call of a cyclist being struck by a car near the intersection of Crown Valley Parkway and East Pacific Coast Highway.
A knife, thought to have been used in the attack, was found at the crime scene.
According to officials, there appears to be no connection between the victim and the suspect.
According to mission employees, he was a “amazing doctor.”
Mammome frequently rode his bicycle to work because he lived only a few blocks away.
He was slain within one mile of the hospital.
This is the irony of the situation. If a patient had been brought to him in his condition, he would have done all possible to save them. Doctor Dawn Aatwal, a cardiologist, stated, “He saved hundreds of lives here, and he passed away very close to where he saved so many lives.”
Close to 70 vehicular death cases are being prosecuted by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, with many including road rage, which appears to have increased since Covid limits were released and individuals resumed to driving.
Fox LA reported that other bikers utilizing the same stretch of Pacific Coast Highway concur that drivers are less patient and more angry. According to them, the collision occurred on a portion of Pacific Coast Highway with insufficient space for bicycles and automobiles, and a significant number of individuals have stopped cycling in the region.
Anyone with information can contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at 714-288-6789. Call Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS to remain anonymous.
»Lexus hits doctor cycling on Pacific Coast Highway and stabs him to death«