Car thief kills motorcyclist during escape

SAN BERNARDINO — Police are still looking for a car thief who killed a motorcyclist while escaping on Saturday.

San Bernardino coroner’s officials on Sunday identified the cyclist as Mark Offeney, 57, of Nuevo in Riverside County. He was killed after the suspect entered the northbound exit ramp on Interstate 215 in the stolen vehicle, and crashed into Offeney’s motorcycle while driving the wrong way.

San Bernardino police spokesman Lt. Jarrod Burguan said the suspect had stolen a pickup truck and was being chased by the victim, who called 911 while pursuing his own vehicle.

Burguan said the car theft victim had been at a residence in the 2800 block of Palm Avenue when he spotted the suspect driving away in his 2001 Ford F-150 pickup.

“He was able to give chase in his other vehicle,” Burguan explained.

San Bernardino police units caught up with the suspect on the westbound 210 near Waterman Avenue and attempted a traffic stop, Burguan said.

“The driver initially stopped the truck but fled immediately thereafter,” Burguan said.

Police units renewed their pursuit of the suspect, who exited at Highland Avenue, turning west and then led police south on Muscupiable Drive.

“The suspect entered the northbound I-215 exit ramp going the wrong way,” Burguan said. “The police units immediately terminated the pursuit and did not follow the suspect onto the freeway.”

There was “not enough time” to call for air support, Burguan added.

Shortly after the suspect entered the freeway, he struck Offeney, who was riding a Honda motorcycle. Offeney was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene at 12:30 p.m.

Burguan said the car thief got out of the stolen pickup and ran from the crash. On Monday, he was still at large.

The lieutenant said the crash closed the northbound portion of the 215 for most of Saturday afternoon.

San Bernardino police are still seeking information on the suspect. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the freeway collision.