Bicyclist Fatally Struck By Vehicle In Hemet

HEMET, CA — A bicyclist was fatally struck by a vehicle in Hemet and the driver fled the location, then led officers on a short pursuit before being arrested, police said Sunday.

Officers responded to a report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle around 5:35 p.m. Saturday, in the area of Domenigoni Parkway and State Street, where they located a deceased man in the roadway, according to the Hemet Police Department.

The bicyclist was later identified as 75-year-old Kenneth Lauer of Hemet.

Several bystanders reported that the driver fled, but provided officers with a vehicle description and direction of travel. Police located and tried to pull it over, but the driver allegedly refused to yield, prompting a pursuit of about three minutes, according to HPD.

The driver was subsequently arrested and booked into the Riverside County Jail. Neither a name or description of the motorist was released.

Investigators said the pedestrian was riding on Domenigoni when he was struck by the eastbound vehicle. They believe intoxication may be a factor in the crash.

Domenigoni Parkway was closed from State Street to Searl Parkway from about 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. for the investigation.

Anyone with additional information regarding this crash was encouraged to contact Corporal Christian Coley at 951-765-2400.

— City News Service