DANA POINT, Ca. (Feb. 2, 2023): At 3:02 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2023, Orange County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Crown Valley Parkway reference a traffic collision and an assault. Upon arrival, deputies found Michael John Mammone, 58, a cyclist, lying in the intersection suffering from severe injuries. Mammone was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Mammone was riding a bicycle facing northbound on PCH when he was struck from behind by the suspect vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, Vanroy Evan Smith, 39, from Long Beach, exited his vehicle and assaulted Mammone with a knife. When deputies arrived, Smith was being detained by bystanders and was taken into custody. He was later booked into the Orange County Jail on suspicion of murder. A knife believed to be used in the assault was recovered at the scene.
At this time, there is no known connection between the suspect and the victim. Investigators will work to determine what led to this incident. This incident is being investigated by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department's Homicide Detail. If you have any information related to this crime, please contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-288-6740. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
