Bicyclist killed in hit and run

A bicyclist was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Santa Cruz Friday morning, police said.

The collision occurred around 6:40 a.m. as the bicyclist was riding east on Soquel Avenue near Hagemann Avenue, according to police. A vehicle described by witnesses as a white full-size pickup truck struck the bicyclist from behind and also hit a traffic signal, shearing it from the sidewalk, police said.

A Santa Cruz city sanitation worker across the street saw the suspect driving away east on Soquel Avenue. Emergency personnel responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene, according to police.

The name of the victim is not being released until his family members are notified of his death. Santa Cruz police are looking for the driver and the truck, which has major front-end damage. The collision prompted the closure of Soquel Avenue in the area for several hours.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the suspect is urged to call police at (831) 420-5820. Anonymous tips can also be provided by calling (831) 420-5995.