Bike Rider Claimed Cop Car Hit Him, Officer Denies, PD Investigating

NEW HAVEN, CT — Wednesday morning, an electric bicycle rider was struck at the intersection of Orange and Edward streets and, police said, when they got there the rider was "alert and conscious." Police said that the rider, riding in the bike lane, said that as he approached Edwards Street he was “cut off” by a police patrol vehicle and he fell to the ground. The cyclist said his left elbow and knee was hurt from the crash, according to police spokesperson Sgt. Cherelle Carr. Though firefighters "rendered aid," Carr said the cyclist was not transported to the hospital.

According to Carr, a patrol supervisor investigated, searched the area for surveillance footage and possible witnesses of the alleged crash. Carr said a witness stated that she saw the bicyclist fall to the ground, after the patrol vehicle turned in front of it, but did not see a collision with a patrol vehicle.

The officer alleged to be involved said he was not involved, Carr said, adding the officer said he was traveling northbound on Orange Street and did make a right turn onto Edwards Street.

This incident is being thoroughly being investigated by the New Haven Police Department, Carr said.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have information valuable to investigators to call at 203-946-6304 or through the department’s anonymous tip-line at 866-888-TIPS (8477).