RICHARDSON, Texas - A 28-year-old motorcyclist was killed Monday evening after his motorcycle collided with a passenger vehicle and then struck a traffic signal pole at a busy Richardson intersection.
Richardson Police responded at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Aug. 24 to the intersection of Arapaho Road and the east frontage road of North Central Expressway following reports of a crash involving a motorcycle and another vehicle.
The motorcyclist was identified as Elija Cazares Smith, 28.
According to the preliminary investigation, both the motorcycle and passenger vehicle were traveling northbound on the frontage road as they approached Arapaho Road.
Police said the motorcycle was traveling in an inside lane designated for left turns only but attempted to continue straight through the intersection.
At the same time, the passenger vehicle was in the adjacent outside lane, which allowed motorists to either turn left or continue straight. The vehicle began making a left turn to travel westbound on Arapaho Road.
The motorcycle then struck the driver's side of the turning vehicle, according to investigators.
Motorcycle Struck Traffic Signal Pole
The impact sent the motorcycle into a traffic signal pole and ejected Smith from the motorcycle.
Richardson Fire Department paramedics transported Smith to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The driver of the passenger vehicle was not injured.
Police have not identified the other driver or indicated that any citations or criminal charges have been issued.
The Richardson Police Department Special Crash Investigation Team responded to the scene and is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
