Owner hanging onto side of stolen truck falls to his death, California police say

A man hanging off the side of his stolen pickup truck as an accused thief drove away in Los Angeles fell and was fatally struck, California police reported.

The 59-year-old Los Angeles man was run over by his own truck and died at a hospital in the 11:35 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, incident, Los Angeles police said in a Sept. 30 news release.

The man tried to intervene when Bryan Rodriguez, 33, of Los Angeles stole his white box truck and ended up hanging from the side as Rodriguez drove away, police said.

Numerous onlookers called 911 to report the man clinging to the truck driving through South Los Angeles, police said.

As officers tried to stop the truck, the owner fell off and was hit, police said. Some officers stopped to provide first aid while others continued to chase Rodriguez.

They eventually stopped the truck and arrested Rodriguez, who is being held without bail. Police did not say what charges he faces.

Investigators ask anyone with information to call 323-786-5100.

This story was originally published October 1, 2024 at 9:10 AM with the headline "Owner hanging onto side of stolen truck falls to his death, California police say."