Montclair, California — Two bicyclists were killed and another suffered serious injuries after a car struck participants in a Halloween group ride in Montclair, California, before the driver allegedly fled the scene, according to police.
The crash happened Saturday night as approximately 30 cyclists were riding along Kingsley Street near Tudor Avenue. Investigators suspect the driver was under the influence of alcohol, and a 38-year-old man was arrested several hours after the collision.
The Montclair Police Department is continuing to investigate the fatal crash, including the circumstances surrounding the collision and the driver’s alleged actions afterward.
What Happened During the Halloween Bike Ride?
According to the Montclair Police Department, the collision occurred at approximately 10:39 p.m. Saturday near Kingsley Street and Tudor Avenue.
About 30 bicyclists were traveling east when a westbound vehicle struck several members of the group. Witnesses told officers that the cyclists were participating in a self-coordinated Halloween ride.
Police emphasized that the ride was not sponsored, organized or affiliated with the city of Montclair.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene after the collision. One cyclist was pronounced dead at approximately 10:44 p.m., just five minutes after the crash, according to the reported timeline.
A second victim, a woman who was transported to a hospital, died at approximately 1:19 a.m. Sunday.
A third cyclist sustained major injuries and was reported to be in stable condition. Another rider suffered a minor cut to the head but declined further medical treatment against medical advice, police said.
Authorities have not publicly released the names of the deceased cyclists.
Driver Accused of Fleeing After Fatal Crash
Investigators identified the suspect as 38-year-old Valentin Alberto Rodriguez, who was arrested at his nearby Montclair home early Sunday morning.
According to police, detectives used information provided by witnesses to track Rodriguez down. He was taken into custody at approximately 2:40 a.m., around four hours after the collision.
Following his arrest, Rodriguez was booked into the West Valley Detention Center.
Police said he faces multiple allegations related to driving under the influence, the fatal collision and leaving the scene of a crash involving death or serious injury.
The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against Rodriguez have not been established as proven facts in court.
Report Raises Questions About a Victim Being Dragged
A report by KTLA stated that one of the victims was dragged for more than a mile before being left in a residential neighborhood.
The detail was not included in the Montclair Police Department’s statement provided in the initial report. Authorities have not publicly confirmed that account in the information available here.
Investigators have not released a complete public reconstruction of the collision or explained all the circumstances surrounding the reported incident.
Further details may emerge as detectives continue examining witness accounts and other evidence connected to the crash.
Charges Rodriguez Could Face
According to police, Rodriguez faces allegations involving driving under the influence causing injury or death, driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher causing injury or death, felony hit-and-run involving death or serious injury, and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
These are serious criminal allegations connected to the fatal crash. The precise legal outcome will depend on the evidence gathered and the subsequent court proceedings.
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Police have not announced a final conclusion to the investigation. The department is continuing to seek information that could help detectives establish the full sequence of events.
Police Ask Witnesses to Come Forward
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information relevant to the investigation to contact the Montclair Police Department.
Anyone with information can call 909-621-4771.
The collision left two cyclists dead, another seriously injured and a fourth with a minor head injury. As the investigation continues, detectives are working to establish what happened during the Halloween ride and determine the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.
What steps do you think could help make group cycling events safer, especially at night? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
