Bicyclist Killed In Hit-And-Run Accident In Bristol: PD

BRISTOL, CT — A bicyclist has died after being struck by two vehicles on Birch Street Thursday evening.

The accident happened Jan. 8 around 5:31 p.m. near 263 Birch St., according to police.

The bicyclist was first struck by a vehicle which fled the scene, police said on Facebook.

The impact of this initial collision caused the victim to be thrown from the bicycle onto the roadway.

At that point, a second vehicle also struck the victim, after that operator didn’t see the victim in the road, police said. The driver of the second vehicle stopped and is cooperating with police.

Emergency medical personnel initially transported the victim to a landing zone for Life Star helicopter transport, but they were diverted to Bristol Hospital, where the victim was pronounced deceased, according to police.

Police identified the victim as 36-year-old Tomek Paluch of Bristol.

Based on witness reports, police believe the fleeing vehicle is a gray or silver Jeep Grand Cherokee with visible right front/passenger side damage. As of mid-afternoon Friday, police were still searching for the vehicle and driver.

Witnesses or anyone with surveillance footage or information are asked to contact police Officer Ryan Kosiba at 860-584-3035 or ryankosiba@bristolct.gov.