Laguna Beach Doctor ID'd As Cyclist Struck By Lexus, Stabbed In Orange County

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A Long Beach man was arrested on suspicion of murder Wednesday for allegedly striking and stabbing a bicyclist riding along Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point, authorities said.

The bicyclist was identified by authorities Thursday as 58-year-old Michael John Mammone, an emergency medicine doctor who practices at Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach, the Orange County Register reported.

The crash was reported at around 3 p.m. near Crown Valley Parkway and Pacific Coast Highway, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

"Mammone was riding a bicycle facing northbound on Pacific Coast Highway when he was struck from behind by the suspect vehicle," Orange County Sheriff's Department officials said in a statement. "The driver of the vehicle exited and assaulted Mammone with a knife."

According to authorities, good Samaritans were able to detain the suspect until police arrived. He was later identified as 39-year-old Vanroy Evan Smith, of Long Beach. A knife thought to have been used in the attack was found at the scene, authorities said.

Mammone was rushed to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo at around 5:52 p.m., where he later died, deputies said.

Deputies do not believe there was any known connection between Mammone and Smith.

Smith was taken into custody and held without bail on suspicion of murder at the Orange County Jail. He was scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

The crash prompted authorities to close Coast Highway until Thursday morning, city officials said.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department is currently working to learn what led to the attack, and residents with information were asked to contact the department at 714-288-6740.

Residents can submit anonymous tips at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

No further information was available.