Two cyclists have been killed and another seriously injured after a suspected drunk driver struck several riders during a Halloween cycling event in Montclair.
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The fatal collision occurred on Kingsley Street near Tudor Avenue at approximately 10:39 p.m. on Saturday, October 24.
According to police, a group of around 30 cyclists was traveling eastbound when a westbound vehicle struck several riders.
The cyclists were participating in a self-coordinated Halloween ride that was not sponsored, organized or affiliated with the city.
Suspected Drunk Driver Crash Leaves Two Cyclists Dead
Emergency responders rushed to the scene following reports of the collision, with witnesses indicating that the driver had fled.
One cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the crash, while paramedics transported two others to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
At approximately 1:19 a.m., a female cyclist died from her injuries at the hospital, bringing the death toll to two.
The third hospitalized cyclist sustained major injuries but was subsequently listed in stable condition.
Authorities also confirmed that another cyclist suffered a minor head laceration but declined further medical treatment.
Montclair Police Arrest Suspected Driver Following Fatal Collision
Investigators used witness information and assistance from the Detective Bureau to locate the suspected driver at his residence near the crash scene.
Police identified the suspect as Valentin Alberto Rodriguez, 38, a Montclair resident.
Officers arrested Rodriguez at approximately 2:40 a.m. on Sunday, October 25, before booking him into the West Valley Detention Center.
"Rodriguez was booked on suspicion of the following offenses: Vehicle Code § 23153(a): Driving under the influence and causing injury or death," a statement from Montclair Police Department reads.
"Vehicle Code § 23153(b): Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher and causing injury or death."
"Vehicle Code § 20001(b)(2): Felony hit-and-run involving death or permanent, serious injury. Penal Code § 191.5(a): Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated."
The Montclair Police Department confirmed that its investigation into the deadly collision remains ongoing.
Authorities have urged anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the circumstances surrounding it to contact investigators.
The identities of the deceased cyclists have not yet been disclosed in the information released by police.
Further details are expected to emerge as investigators continue examining the collision and the case moves through the legal process.
