Bicyclist In Critical Condition After Fremont Hit-And-Run; $10K Reward Offered
FREMONT (CBS SF) -- A $10,000 reward was being offered for information leading to the arrest of a hit and run driver who injured a 56-year-old bicyclist in Fremont in August, police said.
Shortly before 5:45 a.m. on Aug.8, the driver of a black Toyota Camry struck Fremont resident John Vigdal while he was riding his bicycle in a southbound bike lane on Fremont Boulevard, police said.
Vigdal was riding on Fremont Boulevard just south of Old Warm Springs Boulevard when the driver of the Toyota Camry struck him and did not stop, police said.
The driver of the vehicle continued southbound on Fremont Boulevard and did not return to the scene of the collision, police said.
Despite wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, Vigdal suffered major head injuries and was transported to a local trauma center in critical condition, according to police.
He remained hospitalized, but is showing signs of improvement. It is not known if he will make a full recovery, police said.
A friend of the victim who wishes to remain anonymous has offered a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the identity, apprehension and conviction of the suspect in the hit and run collision.
Vigdal's daughter Alexis has relocated from the East Coast to be by her father's side, officers said.
Alexis told officers that she got married four months ago, but her father does not remember attending her wedding.
"The person who did this has affected the lives of our entire family, not only will my dad's life never be the same, but our lives have also changed forever," Alexis said. "We want this person held accountable and we can't allow this to happen in our community."
Police said the year of the Toyota Camry was between 1992 and 1996. The vehicle had damage to the right front bumper and may have been brought to a body shop for repairs following the collision, police said.
The reward will remain available for six months. Police said they hope the reward will motivate anyone who has information regarding the incident to come forward.
Anyone with information was urged to contact police at (510) 790-6760 or contact Traffic Officer Alan Zambonin at azambonin@fremont.gov. Anyone who wishes to leave an anonymous tip may submit it online at www.fremontpolice.org/tip.
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