Man Struck by Two Cars Intentionally Laid Down in Street

An 18-year-old man was killed when he intentionally laid himself down on a roadway in Van Nuys and was struck by two separate cars, police said today.

Michael Joel Alvarez appeared to be outside a crosswalk when he was struck by westbound vehicles in the 15900 block of Victory Boulevard, just east of the San Diego (405) Freeway, at 9:35 p.m. Friday, LAPD Sgt. Randy Modrell said.

An investigation revealed that Alvarez intentionally laid himself down in the left westbound lane of Victory Boulevard, where he was struck by a newer model, silver four-door sedan, possibly a Honda Accord. He was then struck by a late 90s model brown Honda Accord, according to a department statement.

Both vehicles stopped momentarily, and were last seen westbound on Victory Boulevard, according to the statement.

Evidence at the scene suggested the second vehicle should have been able to stop after the pedestrian was struck the first time, said Modrell, of the LAPD Valley Traffic Division.

“They were far enough back where the second vehicle should have been able to stop if they saw the guy in the street,” he said.

--City News Service