Two Killed, Two Injured in Hit-and-Run During Halloween Cycling Event
A driver allegedly struck a group of cyclists in Montclair, California, leading to two fatalities and subsequent arrest.
Two people died and two others were injured when a driver struck a group of cyclists participating in a Halloween-themed ride in Montclair, California, late Saturday night. The driver, identified as 38-year-old Valentin Alberto Rodriguez, was arrested on suspicion of multiple charges, including driving under the influence and felony hit-and-run.
The collision occurred around 10:40 p.m. on Saturday at an intersection in Montclair. Police reported that Rodriguez, driving a Honda Accord, plowed into approximately 30 cyclists. A 25-year-old male cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. A 30-year-old female cyclist was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday. Another cyclist sustained major injuries but is in stable condition, while a fourth victim suffered a head laceration and declined further treatment. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Rodriguez was apprehended at his residence around 2:40 a.m. Sunday. He was booked into the West Valley Detention Center. Investigators found bicycles scattered across the roadway near Kingsley Street and Tudor Avenue, along with debris potentially from Rodriguez's vehicle. Witnesses reported that at least one victim may have been dragged for over a mile, though police have not confirmed this detail.
Authorities stated that the Halloween ride was not sponsored, organized, or affiliated with the City of Montclair. The Montclair Police Department is asking anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them at 909-621-4771 or submit anonymous tips to WeTip at 800-78-CRIME.