That didn’t take long.
Just days after the year’s first fatal bicycling hit-and-run, we’ve now seen the first fatal DUI involving someone on a bicycle in Southern California.
According to the Hemet Police Department, the victim was struck by a driver traveling north on San Jacinto Street near El Nita Lane in Hemet around 6:30 pm Saturday.
The victim, described only as an adult man, was trapped under the vehicle when paramedics arrived; he died after being taken to a local hospital.
The driver was arrested for driving under the influence. There’s no word on their identity, or whether they are suspected of being drunk or on some other intoxicant.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Hemet Police Department at 951/765-2400, and ask for Traffic Officer N. Reineke or Corporal C. Nicot, reference report #2024-00245, or email nreineke@hemetca.gov or cnicot@hemetca.gov.
This is at least the second bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the first that I’m aware of in Riverside County.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the victim and his loved ones.
