News10 Sacramento: Bicyclist victim dragged a quarter mile
R. Kennedy George Warren 4 hrs ago
SACRAMENTO, CA – A man who witnessed a hit and run crash that seriously injured a bicyclist snatched the suspect’s keys from the ignition of her SUV at a red light, according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP Sgt. Chris Lane said the bicyclist was struck Sunday at 7:20 p.m. on Folsom Boulevard under the Highway 50 overpass and dragged a quarter mile to Norcade Circle. The white Ford Explorer then struck another vehicle on the street, which tore off the Explorer’s front bumper. The victim was dislodged from underneath the SUV as the driver made a three-point turn back toward Folsom Boulevard, witnesses said.
Lane said the woman driving the SUV continued west for another three-quarters of a mile before stopping for a red light at Watt Avenue, where the crash witness grabbed the car keys and detained the driver until a CHP officer arrived.
The 24-year-old man who stopped the SUV told CHP officers he did not want to speak to the media or be identified publicly. His wife stayed at the scene to help the victim while he chased the Explorer.
While praising the driver’s actions, Lane said it’s generally a good idea for witnesses to avoid direct contact and to call 911.
The Explorer was reportedly weaving across the two traffic lanes of westbound Folsom Boulevard before it drifted into the bike lane and hit the cyclist, according to the CHP.
The victim, Sanjay Patel, 26, was taken to the UC Davis Medical Center with serious injuries. Co-workers at the Subway sandwich shop near the crash site said Patel had just closed the shop and was riding home. A hospital spokesperson said Patel remained in serious condition Monday.
The SUV driver, Amira Fakira, 23, was arrested on suspicion of felony hit and run and felony drunken driving. Sacramento County Jail records indicated Fakira was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail on charges of felony hit and run and suspected drunken driving. Her arraignment was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in a jailhouse courtroom.
by George Warren, GWarren@news10.net
by Roy Kennedy, RKennedy@news10.net
News10/KXTV
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