Teen Cyclist Killed in Road Rage Identified, Suspect Sought

LOS ANGELES, CA — As the loved ones of a 16-year-old boy killed by a hit-and-run driver in an apparent road rage attack outside BMO Stadium held a candlelight vigil at the parking lot where he was killed Monday, police continued to search for his killer.

Friends and family mourned Jonathan “Junior” Flores, who was struck and killed in a parking lot of BMO Stadium at 4:36 p.m. Friday. The driver of a BMW had reportedly been involved in a confrontation with a group of cyclists and followed about 40 cyclists into the parking lot, according to the California Highway Patrol.

While turning into the lot, the victim was struck by a black Honda sedan, according to the CHP.

The driver left Flores lying on MLK Boulevard where he died.

“It’s not fair he took off, leaving somebody just lying there dying,” Sandra De Leon, Jonathan’s aunt told KTLA. “It’s heartbreaking, 16 years old.”

The boy's friends remained shaken. “I can’t stop crying. He wasn’t a brother, but I see him as a brother,” Luis Juarez said told KTLA.

On Saturday, CHP detectives served a search warrant at a residence in Los Angeles and a 28-year-old man was identified as the driver of the Honda. The two cars, a blue BMW and a black Honda, were also seized as evidence, according to the CHP. The suspected hit-and-run driver was not arrested.

Further description of the suspect was unavailable and the investigation was ongoing.

"The CHP continues its investigation and asks the driver responsible to turn himself in to authorities,” the highway patrol announced on Facebook.

“On behalf of the CHP, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones mourning this tragic loss during the holidays,” said CHP Chief Chris Margaris. “We stand with you in this time of grief and are actively working to bring the person responsible to justice.”The CHP continues its investigation and asks the driver responsible to turn himself in to authorities.

A GoFundMe page has been raised to help Flores' family. As of Monday night, it had raised $815 toward a goal of $6,000.

"He is loved by so many people," wrote Flores' aunt Vanessa De Leon. "He left a positive impact on so many people. He is a smart, loving, quite, silly boy he didn't deserve this. Please help our family at this difficult time."

Anyone with information regarding the crash was asked to call CHP detectives at 323-644-9550 during normal business hours or the Los Angeles Communication Center at 323-259-3200 after hours.

City News Service contributed to this report.