Detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are investigating after what appears to be a road-rage fueled physical altercation following a collision in a West Hollywood parking lot that left a man dead.
The incident, according to an LASD news release, occurred in the 7900 block of Santa Monica Boulevard, at Hayworth Avenue and was reported at around 1 p.m.
Details are limited and the exact circumstances of the situation are unknown, but LASD Lt. Daniel Vizcarra told KTLA that the preliminary investigation revealed two men collided in the parking lot of a strip mall.
Witnesses told KTLA that both men, who looked like they were in their 40’s or possibly 50s, jumped out of their vehicles and started arguing before it escalated into physical fight.
Sean Harrison was grabbing lunch at the Mexican restaurant in the strip mall when the incident occurred. He told KTLA’s Chris Wolfe that two men were facing off when all of a sudden the larger of the two men hit the other, knocking him unconscious.
“But it didn’t look like it was a punch that would kill someone,” he added.
Medical personnel took both men to the hospital for injuries, where the man who fell unconscious at the scene was later pronounced dead.
“Just one punch,” Harrison said. “You never know and that’s why I’m like, ‘Damn, I’m going to keep my mouth shut.”
Footage from the location showed the area cordoned off with crime scene tape as investigators worked to gather evidence near a white pickup truck and an older model minivan outside of a 7-Eleven store.
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The condition of the surviving man, who authorities detained pending further investigation, was not immediately known.
Harrison admitted to being in shock after witnessing the deadly fight and was visibly struggling not to break down.
“My dad is dying right now from cancer,” he said. “He’s fighting for his life and this dude, he probably didn’t expect to die today. It’s just horrible.”
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the two men.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or leave tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
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