Cyclist critically injured in Collier hit-and-run crash

NORTH NAPLES, Fla. — A bicyclist suffered critical injuries following a hit-and-run crash late Saturday night at the intersection of Pine Ridge Road and Taylor Road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash involving two bicycles and one car happened at 11:58 p.m., the FHP said. A 2014 Hyundai Elantra was driving on Pine Ridge and two bicyclists were riding on the right edge of the road.

The Hyundai struck the rear of a Kent bicycle and dragged its rider almost 100 feet, according to the FHP. The car also struck the rear of a Huffy bicycle, and the driver continued east.

Authorities found the Hyundai, but the driver’s identity remains unknown, according to Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers.

The rider of the Kent bicycle is the one who was critically hurt. The bicyclist on the Huffy suffered minor injuries. Both were taken to Naples Community Hospital, the FHP said.

Charges are pending a further investigation.

Crashes are common in the area, nearby resident Joa Coveney said.

“Just right behind the fence here, we hear the skids all the time,” Coveney said. “You just kind of hear them and wait to hear if there’s going to be a crash. It happens all the time.

“About six weeks ago, a guy got hit by a motorcycle. We could hear the motorcycle skidding the whole way.”

Anyone with information who comes forward could be eligible for a cash reward from Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, according to a press release.

“Two men were seriously injured as a result of this driver’s negligent actions, and that person made the conscious decision to keep going and not stop the car and try to help,” Crime Stoppers Coordinator Trish Routte said. “The right thing to do would have been to stop and call for emergency assistance. But the minute the driver chose to leave turned what may have been an accident into a felony crime.”

To report information, call FHP at 239-938-1800 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-8477.