A Turlock man walking alongside his bicycle on W. Christoffersen Parkway Monday night was struck and killed in a hit and run collision, the Turlock Police Department reported.
The deceased was identified by the police department as Shane Hurst, 33.
Investigators are seeking the public’s help in identifying the driver that fled from the deadly scene.
At 5:52 p.m. Monday, the police department received a report of a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian in the 3100 block of West Christoffersen Parkway. When officers arrived on scene, they located an unresponsive male, later identified as Hurst, laying in the center median with severe head trauma.
Hurst was rushed to a local hospital and died shortly after arrival, said Turlock Police spokesman Sgt. Michael Parmley. Hurst was reportedly walking his bicycle and on his way home when the collision occurred.
Witnesses described the responsible vehicle as a light-colored Hummer (H2), likely a 2003-2009 model. Officers assigned to Major Accident Investigation Team were called to the scene to assume the investigation. The roadway was closed for nearly six hours as officers canvassed the area, gathered evidence, and attempted to locate camera footage. As a result of their investigation, it is believed the H2 will have damage to the front driver side.
The unknown driver was seen fleeing eastbound immediately after the collision, Parmley said.
“MAIT investigators are examining evidence and reviewing witness statements in an attempt to determine what transpired during the traffic incident,” Parmley said.
“This investigation is a top priority for the Traffic Safety Unit,” said Officer Michael Simbalenko. “I ask that anyone who may have information about the identity of the responsible suspect or who may have seen the light-colored Hummer, to please contact the Traffic Safety Unit.”
The fatal collision comes a few weeks after the Turlock Police Department was awarded a $110,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety for enforcement and education programs with the goal of reducing the number of serious injuries and deaths on local roads.
The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including:
• DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers.
• High-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
• Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.
• Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.
• Community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and bicycle and pedestrian safety.
• Officer training and/or recertification for: Standard Field Sobriety Test, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement, and Drug Recognition Expert.
The collision also came one day after the time change. Various studies have found an increase in vehicle collisions immediately following the time changes in the fall and spring. For the fall, the uptick is attributed to the loss of an hour of afternoon sunlight, leaving more people on the roads in the dark.
The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information, call Officer Michael Simbalenko at (209) 668-6523. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.
