Teen bicyclist killed by hit-and-run driver in Canoga Park [Updated]

Police were searching Thursday for a driver who struck and killed a teenager riding his bike in Canoga Park, authorities said.

Seventeen-year-old Alex Romero was on his bicycle in the far right lane of De Soto Avenue near Valerio Street about 9 p.m. Wednesday when a motorist believed to be driving a gray Toyota Corolla struck him from behind, said Officer Rosario Herrera, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department.

The teen died at the scene, Herrera said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division at (818) 644-8034 or (818) 644-8032.

[Updated at 9:22 a.m.: This post was changed to add victim's name. Updated at 2:10 p.m.: The third paragraph was changed to reflect the new information.]

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-- Ann M. Simmons

Photo: Lisa Rohletter leaves flowers and a candle Thursday morning at the scene in Canoga Park where Alex Romero, a 17-year-old Chatsworth High School senior, was struck and killed as he was riding his bicycle Wednesday evening. Credit: Al Seib / Los Angeles Times