Ontario Man Arrested after Fatal Bicycle Crash at Mission Boulevard and Baker Avenue
ONTARIO, CA (July 31, 2019) – Authorities identified 22-year-old Thomas Shane Pinto of Pomona as the bicyclist struck and killed by a DUI driver, early Wednesday morning.
According to the Ontario Police Department, the incident happened on Mission Boulevard, shortly after 1:00 AM. The cyclist was heading west when a vehicle struck him near Baker Avenue.
Unfortunately, emergency responders pronounced the bicyclist dead at the scene. Meanwhile, the driver, identified as 31-year-old Julio Tapia of Ontario, immediately fled the area.
Over an hour later, police received a report of a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot along Baker Avenue. Officers found Tapia inside the vehicle that had damage consistent with the collision. He also suffered minor injuries from the incident but did not require hospitalization.
Authorities booked Tapia on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, drunken driving, and hit-and-run. Bail for Tapia was set at $250,000 pending his initial court appearance, scheduled Friday in San Bernardino County Superior Court.
We at Sweet Lawyers offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Thomas Shane Pinto. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this trying time. May he rest in peace.
If you have suddenly lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, reach out to the wrongful death lawyers at Sweet Lawyers. With over 40 years of experience in the legal field, we know what it takes to win your case. Call our offices today at (800) 674-7852 to set up a free consultation with a legal professional in your area. For your convenience, you can also reach us through email, text message, and online chat 24 hours a day/7 days a week.