Wrong man accused of hitting cyclist

Investigators initially arrested a driver they believed was responsible for hitting a 78-year-old bicyclist and not stopping to help. But additional evidence led deputies to drop the charges against that man, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.

Now the search continues to find the person responsible.

“During the course of the investigation over the past few days, traffic investigators located new evidence at the crash scene and on the bicycle to indicate another vehicle was involved,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

At about 3:35 p.m. Sunday, deputies were sent to the crash on Towne Lake Parkway at Wyngate Parkway, the sheriff’s office said.

“Once on the scene, deputies found the bicyclist unresponsive but breathing,” the sheriff’s office said.

Witnesses reported seeing a silver or gray

Nissan go onto the sidewalk and strike the man before continuing on Bells Ferry Road. The bicyclist, whose name was not released, was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Investigators believed they had located the suspect later Sunday. That man’s car seemed to match the description of the one involved and had front-end damage. That driver also said he had hit something and took off his car’s front bumper and hid it in the woods, the sheriff’s office said.

But the paint from that car didn’t match what was found at the crash scene. That driver has been charged with reckless driving and supporting a wireless device while driving, the sheriff’s office said. But he is not charged in connection with the crash that injured the bicyclist.

“Investigators have located a second vehicle they believe struck the cyclist and that investigation is ongoing,” the sheriff’s office said. “No charges have been filed at this time.”