Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Bicyclist Injured by Hit-Run Driver in Critical Condition, Family Friend Says

Update 3:30 p.m. A bicyclist who was struck by a hit-and-run driver Sunday in Calimesa was listed in critical condition at Riverside County Regional Medical Center, a family friend said Monday afternoon.

Phil Richards is a resident of Banning area and he is in his 50s, Melanie Tressler of Yucaipa told Patch in a phone interview.

"Right now he's in critical condition," Tressler said, speaking from outside the hospital in Moreno Valley shortly after 3 p.m. Dec. 30. "The doctors have told the family in the next 24 hours he has a 50-50 chance of survival."

Tressler said she'd been at the hospital more than three hours Monday. She said she's been friends with Richards' wife, Annette, for 27 years.

"He's already had a coupe of surgeries," Tressler said of Richards. "He will require more. Things are not looking good for him right now. All the prayers and support we can get  are greatly appreciated."

The hit-and-run crash was reported at 12:25 p.m. Dec. 29 near the intersection of Calimesa Boulevard and Singleton Road, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Witnesses described the vehicle, last seen with damage to at least one front headlight and front left side, as "a light green or light blue compact four door," a sheriff's sergeant said.

Posted 12:10 p.m. A bicyclist was injured by a hit-and-run driver Sunday in Calimesa, and deputies were looking for the driver and a damaged vehicle, a sheriff's sergeant said Monday.

The crash was reported at 12:25 p.m. Dec. 29 near the intersection of Calimesa Boulevard and Singleton Road, Sgt. John Reinbolz of the sheriff's Cabazon Station said in a statement.

"Upon arrival deputies located a male bicyclist injured and lying on the roadway, on Calimesa Blvd, just north of Singleton Rd," Reinbolz said. "The vehicle involved did not stop and left the scene."

According to witnesses, the bicyclist was riding south and the vehicle was traveling north, both on Calimesa Boulevard, Reinbolz said.

"For unknown reasons the vehicle crossed the center divider and drove head on into the bicyclist's path of travel," Reinbolz said. "The vehicle hit the bicycle with the front left of the vehicle, causing major injuries to the bicyclist."

The vehicle was seen with damage to at least one front headlight and front left side of the vehicle, according to Reinbolz.

Witnesses described the vehicle as "a light green or light blue compact four door vehicle that was driven by an elderly White or Hispanic male with white hair," Reinbolz said.

Calimesa Boulevard was closed between Singleton and Chandler Avenue for about four hours while deputies investigated. The driver and vehicle had not been identified as of Monday morning, Reinbolz said.

Anyone with more info was urged to call the Cabazon Station at (951) 922-7100.


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