CHP arrests driver suspected of plowing into charity cyclists

A pickup truck driver who intentionally plowed into four cyclists on a charity ride Saturday along a rural Marin County road was arrested after fleeing the scene of the hit-and-run, officials said Sunday.

The suspect, who was not immediately named, was arrested shortly before midnight Saturday at a home in Novato, ending a 12-hour search of the Dodge Ram truck seen fleeing the incident southwest of Petaluma, California Highway Patrol officials said.

The CHP circulated photos of the truck on social media shortly after the incident, calling on the public to help identify the driver.

The crash happened along westbound lanes of Point Reyes-Petaluma Road near Hicks Valley Road just before noon Saturday, the CHP said.

The driver of the dark blue Dodge “intentionally swerved” into a pack of cyclists, hitting four riders heading in the same direction before he continued west on Point Reyes-Petaluma Road away from the scene, CHP officials said in a statement.

The four victims were part of a larger group of riders participating in the Jensie Gran Fondo charity ride to benefit the Marin County Bicycle Coalition.

One cyclist was taken by helicopter to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. The other three were taken in ambulances to Marin General Hospital in Greenbrae.

The names and conditions of the victims were not immediately released.

The CHP described the driver as a white man in his 20s or early 30s with a crew cut and stubble on his face. Authorities posted a picture of a man being placed under arrest at the Novato residence later Saturday.

Officials did not elaborate on the charges the man may face or a possible motive.