Irwindale, CA (July 10, 2024) The town of Irwindale, as well as surrounding communities, were shocked to hear of a bicyclist who was killed by a stolen vehicle. Reports indicated that the vehicle was stolen from a Toyota dealership before it struck and killed the bicyclist on Tuesday night, July 9th. It happened near the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, not far from Rivergrade Road and Arrow Highway, reports indicated.
It all started when a vehicle was stolen from a Toyota dealership in El Monte, reports indicated. The driver sped away with no regard to anyone’s safety. The driver didn’t get far before hitting a bicyclist in Irwindale. It was right around 8:30 p.m. as the vehicle approached the bicyclist. For reasons that remain unknown to authorities, the driver hit the bicyclist, knocking them to the ground.
The Irwindale Police Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department rushed to the scene following 911 calls. Upon arrival, they found the bicyclist lying in the roadway with the bent and damaged bike lying several feet away. Paramedics hurried to the victim’s side, ready to give life-saving treatment, but it was too late. The bicyclist had been killed in the collision and, with heavy hearts, authorities pronounced them dead at the scene.
Update: The victim has been identified as Raul Castaneda, a 50-year-old from San Gabriel.
Officers gathered evidence and took statements at the scene. They are working as thoroughly as they can to determine what exactly happened on that road in Irwindale. The bicycle, now a bent heap of metal, was hauled from the scene following the investigation, officers reported. Police officers continue to work this investigation to better understand exactly what happened near the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area that evening.
At this time, it has not been disclosed it the driver of the at fault vehicle fled the scene.
Everyone at Accident News Now extends heartfelt sympathies to the family of the bicyclist killed in this collision. We understand that this is a difficult time of loss and we have a team of legal experts who are ready to help.
Have you or a loved one been impacted by this event? Our team specializes in bicycle accidents and we are here to help. You can reach us 24/7 at (866) 945-4286 or visit our online contact form at Accident News Now.