Cyclist offers $10K for info leading to arrest

BRAWLEY — A 63-year-old hit-andrun victim is relying on help from the public to find the driver that hit him with a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Edward Dziuk, a Phoenix, Ariz. resident, was recently traveling down Highway 111 on his bicycle when he was struck by a vehicle. By the time Dziuk was able to get back on his feet, the vehicle had merged with ongoing traffic, leaving him with no clear description of the vehicle or driver.

Dziuk filed a collision report with California Highway Patrol on the day of the incident. Although due to his lack of a description on the vehicle, he believes the agency would not be able to conduct a proper investigation and is looking for assistance from members of the public.

The Phoenix resident has posted bond for a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver.

At about 2 p.m. Nov. 21, Dziuk, an avid bicyclist, was cycling northbound on Highway 111 just south of Brawley along with his brother.

Along the ride, Dziuk was separated about 300 yards from his brother.

The Phoenix resident, who said he was riding about four feet away from the white line shoulder, was struck by a vehicle.

Because of the distance between them, the brother did not see the suspected vehicle. Dziuk recalled that the vehicle that hit him merged into a group of about four to five vehicles traveling at about 55 miles-per-hour down the highway.

By the time Dziuk got back to his feet, the group of vehicles were about 200 yards down the road, giving him no opportunity to see the color or make of the suspected vehicle. No vehicle in the group or any oncoming traffic stopped for the downed cyclist.

Dziuk sustained a broken left shinbone, a fracture on his third lumbar spine vertebra, severe road rash on his left calf and bruising around his waist and buttocks.

The cyclist was treated at Pioneers Medical Center in Brawley and discharged on the morning of Nov. 22.

The only evidence Dziuk could describe was seeing pieces of a white car door mirror on the road. Dziuk also had a yellow plastic pannier bag where his bike was struck, which possibly left yellow marks on the suspected vehicle.

Dziuk immediately called 911 following the collision. He understands the lack of evidence makes it extremely difficult to track down the driver.

“I don’t know how they could possibly investigate,” said the cyclist. “I would be extremely surprised if they were spending any resources to find the suspect. They’re looking for a needle in a haystack.”

Dziuk now hopes anyone from the public that has seen a vehicle with a missing door mirror or yellow markings to contact CHP at 760-3373405.