California doctor, 58, cycling on Pacific Coast Highway is mowed down by a Lexus and then stabbed to death by the driver: Attacker restrained by horrified bystanders
- Michael Mammone, 58, died while riding on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point
- The suspect, Vanroy Evan Smith, 39, was booked on suspicion of murder
An investigation is underway after a doctor cycling on an Orange County highway was hit by a Lexus and then stabbed by the driver, who was then restrained by shocked bystanders.
Southern California authorities say a cyclist, later identified as Michael Mammone, 58, died after being hit from behind by a white Lexus while riding on the Pacific Coast Highway in the Dana Point area.
After the crash, the Lexus driver exited his car and assaulted Mammone with a knife.
Witnesses said the suspect struck the cyclist and stabbed him at least once in the back.
The cyclist was identified as Michael Mammone
Mammone died after being hit from behind by a white Lexus while riding on the Pacific Coast Highway in the Dana Point area
The Orange County Fire Authority responded to a call of a cyclist being hit by a car near Crown Valley Parkway and East Pacific Coast Highway at around 3 p.m.
The suspect, later identified by authorities as Vanroy Evan Smith, 39, of Long Beach, was detained by bystanders and then taken into custody where he was booked on suspicion of murder.
A knife, believed to be the one from the attack, was recovered at the scene. The sheriff’s office has not yet revealed if a gun was also recovered.
Officials said there appears to be no link between the victim and the suspect.
Mammone had been working as an ER doctor at Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach since 2011.
The hospital said in a statement: ‘We are stunned by this devastating tragedy. The entire Mission Hospital family is grieving over the loss of an incredible physician and friend. We will honor Dr. Mammone’s dedication to our community and passion for medicine by continuing to provide exceptional care.’
The Orange County Fire Authority responded to a call of a cyclist being hit by a car near Crown Valley Parkway and East Pacific Coast Highway at around 3 p.m
A knife, believed to be the one from the attack, was recovered at the scene. Officials said there appears to be no link between the victim and the suspect
Mission staff said he was an ‘amazing doctor’.
Mammome would frequently ride his bike to work, as he lived a few blocks away.
He was killed less than a mile away from the hospital.
‘That’s the irony of this whole thing. If a patient was brought in his condition, he would have done everything he could to save that person. He has saved so many lives here, and he died very close to where he saved hundreds of lives,’ said cardiologist Doctor Dawn Aatwal.
The Orange County DA’s Office said they are currently prosecuting close to 70 cases of vehicular death, with quite a few involving road rage, which seems to have risen since Covid restrictions were lifted and people returned to driving.
Other cyclists using the same stretch of Pacific Coast Highway agreed that drivers seem less patient and angrier, Fox LA reports. They said the crash occurred on a narrow part of Pacific Coast Highway, with little room for bicycles and cars, adding that quite a few people have stopped cycling in the area.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-288-6740. You can remain anonymous by calling Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
