Bicyclist Struck and Killed on 49th Street in Pinellas Park
A bicyclist was struck and killed Saturday morning in the 8700 block of 49th Street N in Pinellas Park.
Officers from the Pinellas Park Police Department and Pinellas Park Fire Rescue responded to the scene at approximately 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2018.
The bicyclist was evaluated by paramedics and determined to have died at the scene. A severely damaged bicycle remained in the roadway.
The Traffic Homicide Unit from Pinellas Park Police arrived on-scene and began investigating the specific details of the crash.
Investigators so far report that an adult male riding his bicycle was attempting to cross 49th Street, traveling from the west side of the road to the east side. He was struck by a vehicle in the curb lane. According to eyewitness statements, three vehicle were traveling at a high rate of speed just prior to the crash.
Clearwater resident, 20 year-old Arturo Maldonado was driving a 1993 green Lexus in the northbound right curb lane. Maldonado was not able to stop or avoid striking the bicyclist.
Pinellas Park resident, 30 year-old Dustin Willis was driving a 2015 black Chevy SUV in the northbound center lane.
Largo resident, 20 year-old Nicholas Susie was driving a 2013 black Toyota Scion in the northbound median lane.
All three vehicles and drivers stayed on scene and are cooperating with investigators as the investigation continues. None of the drivers knew each other prior to the crash, and only the Lexus struck the bicyclist. Speed does appear to be a factor in this investigation.
There are no charges at this time, as the investigation is ongoing. Investigators are still attempting to identify the next of kin for the deceased bicyclist. No further information will be released until the investigation is completed.
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Updated 9:35 p.m. – January 20, 2018