Hit-and-run crash kills cyclist
The cyclist community in Mexicali is mourning the loss of one of their own following a hit-and-run crash in El Centro Sunday morning.
The man was killed while cycling on highway 111, a popular route.
Officers say a group of four cyclists were traveling northbound along the highway’s shoulder lane, when a driver swerved off the road, killing one of the cyclists.
44-year-old Emeterio Millan was pronounced dead shortly after being hit by a car.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the suspect, a 31-year-old woman from El Centro, fled the scene after crashing with the cyclists.
Shortly after CHP, located and arrested the woman. Officers say she had been drinking, but a field sobriety test determined she was not under the influence.
” It’s a dangerous sport, we know what we do, especially that intersection it’s terribly dangerous. It was a windy day, I noticed that it was a dangerous day for a bicycle ride on the freeway, ” said Juan Ramirez, local cyclist.
Ramirez took the same route minutes after the crash.
” As I got closer to it, there were bicycles, and a dead body. It was really sad, because it could have been anybody that practices the sport, ” said Ramirez.
The three other cyclists were also injured.
One of them was flown to a hospital in Palm Springs.
The Consulate of Mexico, says they are helping the victim’s family bring Millan’s body back home to Mexicali. They are also helping the other three victims who are all Mexican Nationals.
” We are consulting with all the victims involved, we will determine how we can help them. We have some resources available where we can help the victims with funds needed. It was a hit-and-run so we will try to help them with legal matters as well, ” said Tonatiuh Romero, Mexico Consulate in Calexico .
The suspect is in custody at the Imperial County Jail and is being held on a $150,000 bond.
She is facing hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter charges.
“I’m sure his family and friends are very sad, and it’s a reminder for all the cyclists that it’s a dangerous sport,” said Ramirez.
Copyright 2018 KYMA
