Man on bicycle killed by hit-and-run car

Jen Lawson

Thursday, Sept. 16, 2004 | 9:51 a.m.

A bicyclist was killed this morning in a hit-and-run collision on Arville Street just north of Harmon Avenue, Metro Police said.

Sgt. Frank Weigand of the fatal detail said a man was riding a bike in the right shoulder about 5:45 a.m. when a vehicle hit his rear tire from behind with enough force to send it 100 feet forward.

The victim, whose name had not been released this morning, was thrown about 160 feet, Weigand said. The vehicle was going an estimated 45 mph when it hit the man.

He was dead when police arrived. Weigand said he appeared to be between 20 and 30 years old.

The vehicle didn't stop, Weigand said. It's not clear what type of vehicle hit the man, but police believe it was white because they found white paint chips scattered around the scene.

The vehicle probably has damage to the right front, right side and possibly the hood, Weigand said.

The bicyclist was following the law: He was in the proper lane and had lights on his bike.

Investigators have little to go on. So far no witnesses have contacted police.

"Unless someone comes forward, or this person has a bout of remorse," police will have difficulty solving this crime, Weigand said.

It was the second time in less than 24 hours that a bicyclist was hit by a car.

Wednesday morning a 14-year-old boy was struck on Christy Lane at Meikle Lane, near Lake Mead Boulevard, as he rode his bike to school, police said.

The bicyclist, Jesus Fergoso-Ochoa, ran a stop sign about 6:40 a.m. Wednesday and rode into the path of a 1995 Honda Civic driven by 34-year-old Carrie Malcolm of Las Vegas.

The boy was not wearing a helmet, police said. He was still in serious condition this morning.

Police determined Malcolm was going 38 mph in a 25 mph zone. They said they expected to cite her for speeding.

Anyone with information on the collision is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 385-5555 or the traffic investigation section at 229-3595.