Driver Arrested For Fatally Striking Cyclist In San Francisco's Portola Neighborhood
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – A 26-year-old San Francisco man who fatally struck a 63-year-old cyclist Monday morning while allegedly driving a car on the wrong side of the road and speeding in the city's Portola neighborhood was arrested on suspicion of felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, a police spokesman said.
San Francisco police spokesman Officer Carlos Manfredi said the suspect arrested in connection with the cyclist's death is Erick Mendez.
Manfredi said that although the collision appears to have been accidental, investigators believe Mendez was at fault.
While the San Francisco medical examiner's office has not yet released the victim's identity, pending notification of his next of kin, Manfredi said the victim was a 63-year-old man who resided in San Francisco.
The crash at the intersection of Goettingen and Woolsey streets was captured on video surveillance footage, according to Manfredi.
The cyclist, who was wearing a helmet and reflective gear, was traveling north in the 500 block of Goettingen Street shortly before 10:15 a.m. when Mendez, who was traveling south on Goettingen Street in a gold four-door sedan, struck him head-on, Manfredi said.
Mendez was traveling on the wrong side of the narrow street while speeding, according to police.
He apparently stopped and attempted to render aid to the victim, who died at the scene, Manfredi said.
Manfredi said so far neither drugs nor alcohol appear to have been a factor in the crash.
The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition released a statement Monday afternoon, sending their condolences to everyone impacted by the collision and urging the city to improve the safety of its streets.
"Goettingen and Woolsey streets are like many streets across San Francisco. They are quiet, small, residential streets abutting schools, parks and libraries," the coalition said in the statement.
"Every street in San Francisco should be safe for people of all ages to walk and bike. We need greater urgency from our civic leaders on delivering the safe, livable streets that San Franciscans deserve," the coalition said.
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