Motorcyclist killed, passenger loses leg after traffic stop ends in crash

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A motorcyclist was killed and his passenger lost her leg Saturday after a traffic stop ended in a crash in the Valencia Park neighborhood, authorities said.

The situation began to unfold around 12:45 a.m. when officers pulled over a man riding a 2019 Harley Davidson motorcycle in the 6200 block of Imperial Avenue for a traffic violation, the San Diego Police Department explained. The rider, a 25-year-old man, and his passenger, a 23-year-old woman, abided at that time.

During the stop, officers discovered the man had a felony arrest warrant. When police told the man he was under arrest, he fled the scene traveling westbound on Imperial Avenue. Before officers were able to initiate a pursuit, police said the motorclye riders collided with two parked vehicles at a high rate of speed.

Both riders were ejected from the motorclye during the crash. The man was pronounced dead at the scene and the woman, who lost her left leg, was transported to a local hospital in serious condition. Police said her injuries are considered to be life-threatening.

Traffic Division officers responded and are handling the investigation. Anyone with information related to the above incident is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.