Witnesses: Truck Hit Cyclist Before Backing Up, Fatally Running Him Over
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) – Police in San Jose are searching for the driver of a truck that witnesses said struck a cyclist before stopping, backing up and fatally running the man over early Friday morning before fleeing the scene.
Officers responded at 4:51 a.m. to the area of Delmas Avenue and West Santa Clara Street on a report of a person who was struck by a vehicle.
Responding officers located a man on the ground suffering from serious injuries. Medical personnel arrived on the scene and pronounced the man deceased a short time later, police said.
"The suspect vehicle -- the white truck -- kinda veered into the opposing lanes of traffic, potentially hitting or clipping the individual who was riding a bicycle," said San Jose Police Lt. Jason Herr.
The victim was knocked off his bike, but it was not the initial collision that proved fatal.
Witnesses told San Jose Police the driver put the truck in reverse, backed up and hit the man again before driving off and fatally running him over.
"We think when the suspect went to flee the scene, he put it in reverse and ran over the victim one more," explained Herr. "We don't know if he was doing to cause harm to the victim, or if he was just fleeing the scene."
Police said West Santa Clara Street was temporarily closed between the state Highway 87 off-ramp and Autumn Street.
Investigators said the victim is a man in his 60s who was likely homeless.
San Jose police are looking for a white, 1990s model full-size pickup truck, possibly a Chevy, with items in the bed of the truck and slight damage on the front driver side panel.
Authorities said the truck should have some damage to its front fender area due to the collision.
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