Electric scooter rider dies trapped under SUV leaving Westfield Topanga mall

A man about 40 years old riding an electric scooter died after he hit the pavement and became trapped under an SUV that was exiting the Westfield Topanga mall on Saturday morning, Dec. 28, police said.

The crash occurred in the 6800 block of North Owensmouth Avenue in Canoga Park around 11:30 a.m. as the SUV driver, approximately 17 years old, drove out of the mall parking lot, LAPD Sgt. Scott Vostad told a Key News Network videographer at the scene.

As the SUV made a right turn, Vostad said, “He (the scooter rider) collided with the ground and slid under the car, and then the car drove over him.”

Vostad said the scooter rider had been wearing a helmet.

“The helmet is still under the car,” Vostad noted.

Paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene.

Police are investigating the crash, including whether the SUV driver stopped at a stop sign before running over the scooter, Vostad said.

He also cautioned scooter riders to be aware of vehicles and drivers who may not see them, and to always ride in the same direction as traffic.