Bicyclist hit on Crows Landing

By BEE STAFF REPORTS

last updated: April 18, 2008 05:05:27 PM

A Modesto man is suspected of hitting a bicyclist Friday and then leading sheriff’s deputies on a six-mile pursuit, during which a Stanislaus County Sheriff’s sergeant crashed his car into a power pole.

The chase ended in Turlock when 29-year-old Emiliano Maldonado Jr. crashed at the same intersection, into a field at North Central Avenue at East Taylor Road, Modesto Police Sgt. Craig Gundlach said.

He said the 51-year-old bicyclist had severe injuries but he is expected to recover. “So we’re thankful for that.”

He was transported to Doctors Medical Center. His name was not released. Both directions of Crows Landing Road were closed until about 12:25 p.m. between Flamingo Drive and Glenn Avenue.

Gundlach said witnesses told police the bicyclist appeared to be following road rules and was using his hands to signal as he headed north in the middle turn lane on Crows Landing Road about 9:30 a.m. He was trying to merge across traffic when the pickup collided with him near Imperial Avenue, Gundlach said. The driver then made a U-turn, during which the bicyclist was under the pickup and momentarily dragged, Gundlach said. He said the bicyclist broke free and the driver fled south.

A plain-clothes Stanislaus County Sheriff's detective witnessed the accident, Gundlach said, and chased the pickup. Other sheriff’s cars joined the chase. The sergeant crashed into a pole at North Central Avenue and East Taylor Road, he said, and was was not seriously injured but was transported to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.

Gundlach said police suspect Maldonado might have been under the influence.

Police ask those with information about the hit-and-run crash to call Doug Griepp at 572-9703.

Hit and run