Two drivers combined to strike and kill someone riding a bicycle in Vista Thursday night.
But only one had the basic human decency to stick around afterwards.
Multiple sources are reporting that the victim, who has not been publicly identified, was “bumped” by a driver on South Melrose Drive at Buena Vista Drive around 10:28 pm Thursday.
He was then struck by a second driver.
The first one stuck around and cooperated investigators. The second didn’t, reportedly fleeing north on Melrose; investigators are looking for a white SUV or crossover, which may have front-end damage.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
There’s no information on how the crash occurred. However, it sounds like the initial impact may have been minor, and could have been survivable if the second driver had stopped in time.
There’s also no word on whether either driver may have been speeding, driving distracted or under the influence.
There appears to be a buffered bike lane on Melrose, which has a 45 mph speed limit. That speed could have contributed to both the force of the impact, as well as the inability of the second driver to avoid the victim.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 888/580-8477. There’s a $1,000 reward for any details that lead to an arrest.
This is at least the eighth bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the first that I’m aware of in San Diego County.
Three of those fatal crashes have been hit-and-runs.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the victim and their loved ones.
