Skateboarder dies in collision with LAPD patrol car near Highland Park

A pedestrian riding a skateboard was struck and killed in a collision with a Los Angeles Police Department patrol car near Highland Park on Friday night. 

The crash happened in the area of Woodside Drive and North Figueroa Street at around 7:20 p.m., according to LAPD officials. 

The officer did not sustain injuries, but the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. 

The street was closed for several hours as the investigation into the crash continued. They said that the officer was called to another incident, which is where they were heading when the collision happened. They said that the patrol car had lights and sirens engaged.

Officers said that the victim was skateboarding southbound on the center median of the street when he was hit. 

"We usually pass on the left, because most of our traffic is going to be pulling over to the right. So it is common for us to pass around traffic on the left, to use the center medians to get around and traverse to get to that emergency," said LAPD Captain Mike Bland. "Although our officers are exempt from rules of the road when driving code three, we still have to drive with due care and caution."

Police have not yet said how fast the patrol car was going at the time of the crash.

Family members identified the victim as 30-year-old Gerardo Estrada, who many knew fondly as Jerry. 

At the time of the crash, the Carnival Fair was being held at Sycamore Grove Park. The event was scheduled to continue over the weekend through Sunday, but it was unclear if the crash would have any impact. 

On Saturday night, friends and family members gathered at the spot of the crash to hold a vigil for Estrada. 

"He was probably one of the purest and kindest souls I have ever met," said Kareem Gehaleb, a friend of the victim. "He never asked for anything in return except love."