Bicyclist killed by pickup at Highway 12 and Madrone

A suspect pickup has been located in the June 5 fatal hit-and-run accident that killed a solo cyclist.|

A light-colored pickup truck headed toward Sonoma on Highway 12 just west of Madrone Road struck a bicyclist riding along the right edge of the highway Friday night, propelling him off the road. The truck fled the scene, and the still-unidentified male cyclist sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision.

But the Napa office of the California Highway Patrol said Monday that a suspect truck was located over the weekend, and the investigation continues.

The accident occurred Friday, June 5, at about 8:20 p.m., according to the CHP collision report. The weather at the time of the dusk incident was described as clear and warm. The velocity of the truck was unknown.

The CHP responded to the scene following a 911 call.

Initially the Napa CHP put out a notice requesting public assistance in locating the suspect vehicle. “We are asking for the public’s help finding the vehicle and driver of the truck that hit the cyclist,” said Lt. Marc Rensperger of the Napa CHP. A description of the hit-and-run truck was given as a silver, gray or white, 1998-2001, Dodge Ram pickup. “The pickup sustained damage to its right front headlamp, turn signal and is missing its passenger side mirror,” read the announcement.

The make and model of the truck was determined from the parts number on the side-view mirror. A possible witness added to the description by saying he had seen the truck leaving the scene.

Over the weekend, a truck matching the description, with a cracked windscreen and a missing side-view mirror, was located in Boyes Hot Springs. It was taken to CHP Napa for forensic investigation to determine if possible the driver during the accident.

The bicyclist was apparently traveling alone. His age and name could not be determined; although he was wearing a helmet, he did not have any identification and no confirmation of his identity has been made.

The cyclist was riding a 2016 Cannondale CAAD bicycle, a “race-ready road bike” according to a product description.

Witnesses of the accident or anyone with other information is encouraged to contact the CHP’s Napa Area Office at (707) 253-4906 or (800) 835-5247.

Contact Christian at christian.kallen@sonomanews.com.

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