Ventura, California — March 6, 2011
Police say a bicyclist was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver along Pacific Coast Highway in San Buenaventura on Sunday.
The California Highway Patrol reports that cyclist, Jose Luis Carmona, 40, was walking his bike along Pacific Coast Highway (U.S. Route 101/California State Route 1), near Faria Beach, around 7:30 p.m. when he was hit by a red 2008 Mitsubishi, allegedly driven by Shannon Richard, 43, and also carrying a toddler, 2.
Paramedics were summoned to the scene, but could not revive Mr. Carmona. The Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Office reports that he died of blunt-force trauma.
Ms. Richard failed to stop at the scene and administer aid. Investigators found the vehicle at Ms. Richard’s home, where she told them she believed she struck an animal.
Officers detected the presence of alcohol on Ms. Richard and she was taken into custody on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence. She posted bail and is free while awaiting arraignment.
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