Driver runs over fallen cyclist, checks on him, then leaves, California police say

A driver who stopped to help a fallen bicyclist saw another driver run the man over before fleeing, California police reported.

The 71-year-old man fell off his bicycle after hitting something in the road at about 5:20 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, the Ventura Police Department said in a news release.

As someone stopped to help, a different vehicle, described as a possible white Lexus, ran the fallen cyclist over, police said.

A woman driving the vehicle and a passenger got out, walked over to the bicyclist, then got back in their vehicle and drove away, police said.

Police described them as a woman in her 70s and a woman in her 20s.

They made no attempt to help the bicyclist or identify themselves, and left before officers or firefighters arrived, police said.

The bicyclist was hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

Police ask anyone with information to call 805-339-4437.

Ventura is about a 70-mile drive northwest from Los Angeles.

This story was originally published December 3, 2024 at 8:49 AM with the headline "Driver runs over fallen cyclist, checks on him, then leaves, California police say."