Two cyclists died and two others suffered injuries late Saturday night when a suspected impaired driver struck a group of about 30 riders. The group was participating in a Halloween bicycle ride in Montclair, San Bernardino County, California, before the driver fled the scene. Authorities later arrested a 38-year-old local resident on multiple felony charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter.
The Montclair Police Department stated that the fatal collision happened at approximately 10:39 p.m. on Saturday at the intersection of Kingsley Street and Tudor Avenue. Investigators determined the cyclists were traveling eastbound on Kingsley Street when a westbound 2021 Honda Accord plowed into several members of the group.
Timeline and Details of the Crash
The impact caused immediate devastation to the self-coordinated group ride. Police noted the ride had no official sponsorship or city affiliation. A 25-year-old male cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 10:44 p.m., just five minutes after the vehicle struck the group.
First responders transported two other injured riders to a local hospital. A 30-year-old woman later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital at approximately 1:19 a.m. Sunday. A third rider sustained major injuries and remained hospitalized in stable condition, while a fourth cyclist suffered a minor head laceration and declined further medical treatment.
Local media outlets, including KTLA, reported that witness statements indicated one of the victims was dragged by the vehicle for more than a mile before being left behind in a residential neighborhood.
Suspect Arrested and Charges Filed
The driver fled the area after the collision. Investigators used crucial witness information to track down a suspect near the crash site. Police identified the driver as 38-year-old Valentin Alberto Rodriguez of Montclair.
Officers arrested Rodriguez at his residence at approximately 2:40 a.m. Sunday, roughly four hours after the incident. They booked him into the West Valley Detention Center on severe felony charges, which include:
- Driving under the influence causing injury or death
- Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher causing injury or death
- Felony hit-and-run involving death or permanent, serious injury
- Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
Ongoing Investigation and Community Appeal
As the local community deals with this tragedy, law enforcement officials stress that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities urge anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact the Montclair Police Department directly at 909-621-4771.
