Police said Rodriguez Jr. was crossing 16th Street mid-block when a white GMC pickup struck him. The impact threw him from his bicycle and dragged the bike several feet.
Phoenix, AZ – A bicyclist was killed Monday morning after being struck by a pickup truck while crossing 16th Street in south Phoenix, according to the Phoenix Police Department.
The victim was identified as 66-year-old Amado Rodriguez Jr.
The deadly collision happened shortly before 6 a.m. near the Salt River bridge, south of University Drive.
Police said Rodriguez Jr. was crossing 16th Street mid-block when a white GMC pickup struck him. The impact threw him from his bicycle and dragged the bike several feet.
The pickup driver fled the scene after the crash, leaving the injured bicyclist behind. Investigators later located the truck in Glendale near 47th and Olive avenues.
Police determined the truck had been borrowed by 32-year-old Jesus Alejandro Cardenas Angulo, who was reportedly the only person driving it. Investigators obtained a search warrant and later arrested Angulo.
Authorities said evidence recovered from the truck and Angulo’s statements, indicated that he was behind the wheel when the collision occurred and left the scene because he was scared.
Angulo was booked on charges including manslaughter, tampering with evidence and leaving the scene of an accident involving death. Police said it remains unclear whether impairment contributed to the crash, although investigators believe speed may have been a factor.
The investigation into the fatal hit-and-run remains ongoing.