Oxnard, California — March 18, 2011
Police say a hit-and-run driver contributed to the death of a motorcyclist along The Ventura Freeway in Oxnard before leading police on a chase into Santa Barbara County.
The California Highway Patrol reports that Winnetka resident Daniel Smilanick was riding along The Ventura Freeway (U.S. Route 101), near Exit 59 (Del Norte Boulevard), in Oxnard, when he was brushed by a gold-colored four-door pickup truck, driven by Michael Johnson. The impact caused Mr. Smilanick to lose control of the bike and he crashed, suffering fatal injuries.
Investigators say Mr. Johnson failed to stop at the scene and administer aid. Officers caught up with him, however, and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, at which time he sped away.
Mr. Johnson led police on a pursuit into Santa Barbara County, where he successfully avoided “stop sticks” deployed by police with the intention of deflating his tires. He was finally apprehended after striking a patrol car and guardrail near El Capitan State Beach in Santa Barbara County and attempting to flee on foot.
Mr. Smilanick’s identity was determined by the medical examiner of Ventura County.
One officer was injured in the crash with Mr. Johnson’s pickup.
In California, all riders are required to wear helmets when on a motorcycle or any motorized scooter.
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