Police Investigate Fatal Crash After Driver Reports Falling Asleep.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA — Authorities have released new details in a deadly hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a bicyclist in Phoenix late Sunday morning. The incident remains under investigation, according to Phoenix police.
Officers said they responded shortly before 11:30 a.m. to reports of a bicyclist struck by a vehicle near Central Avenue and Elwood Street. When first responders arrived, they found a woman with critical injuries. Firefighters and paramedics provided aid, but she was pronounced dead at the scene, police confirmed.
The victim was later identified as a 26-year-old woman. Officials said she had been riding in a designated bike lane at the time of the collision.
According to investigators, the driver of the vehicle left the area after the crash. Police said evidence and video collected nearby helped identify the make and model of the vehicle involved. Detectives later located the vehicle at a residence in the area of Central Avenue and Buckeye Road.
Authorities said the driver, a 46-year-old Phoenix man, was taken into custody in connection with the crash. Court records indicate that damage observed on the vehicle was consistent with evidence found at the scene.
Police stated that during interviews, the driver acknowledged operating the vehicle but initially said he did not recall being involved in a collision. Investigators said he later described drifting off while driving and waking up off the roadway.
According to court documents, the driver told investigators he believed he may have struck an object and continued driving. Police also reported that the driver later admitted to substance use earlier in the day. Officials emphasized that these claims are part of the ongoing investigation and have not yet been ruled on in court.
During an initial court appearance on Monday, prosecutors outlined the allegations, stating that the crash occurred during daylight hours on a busy roadway and resulted in the death of a bicyclist who was lawfully using the bike lane. The prosecutor described the incident as a serious public safety concern and asked the court to consider the risk posed to the community.
The defendant briefly addressed the court, expressing remorse and describing the incident as a tragic accident. He told the judge that he did not believe he had struck a person and said he would have stopped had he known, according to court proceedings.
The judge set a cash-only bond of $750,000. Court officials said the defendant was booked on multiple charges, including reckless manslaughter, leaving the scene of a fatal crash, and drug-related offenses.
Phoenix police said the investigation remains active. Detectives are continuing to review evidence, witness statements, and other information to establish a full and accurate account of what happened.
Authorities reminded drivers to remain alert at all times and to share the road responsibly, especially in areas with bike lanes and pedestrian traffic. Police also emphasized the importance of stopping and calling for help immediately after any collision involving injuries.
No further details have been released at this time. Updates are expected as the case moves through the legal process and additional information becomes available from authorities.
