Cyclist Struck, Killed in Maryland by DC Officer's SUV

The officer was on duty, D.C. police say

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A man riding a bike was hit and killed in Capitol Heights, Maryland, on Tuesday by a D.C. officer with his lights and sirens activated, officials say.

The man was crossing the westbound lanes of East Capitol Street near Southern Avenue at about 4:30 p.m. when the SUV hit him, police say.

The driver was a D.C. officer who was on duty. 

The cyclist was taken to a hospital with serious injuries and pronounced dead. His identity was not immediately released.

Police say a witness reported that "the bicyclist was initially riding his bike on the sidewalk along East Capitol Street and then entered the roadway into the lanes of travel. The collision took place seconds later."

A Prince George's County police investigation is underway.

D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham said the officer is with the Fugitive Task Force and was authorized to be in a vehicle with Maryland license plates. He was chasing a homicide suspect at the time the bicyclist was struck. Police later captured the suspect.

The officer is on leave. 

East Capitol Street was temporarily closed.

Stay with NBC Washington for more on this developing story

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