Man Riding E-Bike Killed in Hit and Run Crash
When drivers hit someone on the road, they are required under law to stop and offer assistance. But sometimes they flee the scene and never return, hoping to never be found. In some cases, though, they return to the accident site shortly after the crash to survey the situation and possibly remove any key evidence.
Investigators in Mount Laurel who were searching for a hit and run driver have found their man. The driver had fled after hitting a man riding an electric bike. The 49-year-old man from Magnolia died at the scene.
Police released surveillance footage showing the vehicle believed to be involved in the crash. It was a white 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
According to the victim’s mother, the man was heading to the store. He was riding an electric bike on the 1100 block of Route 73 when he was hit by an SUV. The man was then dragged under the vehicle for approximately a quarter mile. The driver fled the scene and the SUV continued into Evesham Township, leaving the man unresponsive in the roadway.
The man’s distraught mother gushed about her son, calling him “very energetic” and “a great mechanic.” His family was preparing to celebrate his 50th birthday on January 4.
Detectives had obtained surveillance video of the SUV from nearby businesses and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority . Investigators were working with local authorities to locate the vehicle. They identified the suspect vehicle as a white 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Investigators discovered that the vehicle returned to the scene about 20 minutes after the crash.
Police issued an alert after learning the vehicle had traveled through Passaic and Bergen counties.
On January 2, police found the vehicle. Lyndhurst police located the Jeep and stopped the driver. The driver, a 40-year-old man from California, was taken into custody and transported to the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly.
The man was charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident. He is currently being detained.
Dangers of Riding a Bicycle at Night
Riding a bicycle at night comes with added risks. Common dangers include:
- Reduced visibility. Drivers may not see cyclists as easily at night, especially on poorly lit roads. Dark clothing, inadequate bike lighting, or glare from headlights can make a rider nearly invisible.
- Impaired driver reaction time. At night, drivers have less time to spot and react to cyclists. Fatigue, distraction, or impaired driving further increase the risk of collisions.
- Poor road conditions. Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and wet surfaces are harder to detect after dark, raising the risk of crashes and falls.
- Higher-speed traffic. With fewer cars on the road, drivers often travel faster at night, increasing the severity of injuries if a crash occurs.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Whether a person is riding a traditional bicycle or an e-bike, fatal accidents can happen. These crashes are even more devastating when
A Morristown bicycle accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can assist you if you have been in a serious crash. Lean on our experience and legal knowledge to secure a verdict or settlement. Fill out the online form or call (973) 455-1567 to schedule a consultation.
Source:
6abc.com/post/mt-laurel-police-search-driver-hit-run-killed-bike-rider-anthony-caprio-iii/18331351/
