Reward offered for hit-and-run in Levi's Gran Fondo

A reward will be offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the motorist who appeared to intentionally hit one of the bicyclists in the 2010 Levi Leipheimer's King Ridge Gran Fondo last fall.

The Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition and VeloStreet, the non-profit owner of the bike ride, are launching a fund-drive to raise $10,000 for the reward. The bike coalition says:

“The community must not tolerate those who harass and injure cyclists. Let's raise $10,000 to make sure this driver is held accountable.”

Donate

Anyone can donate to the reward at the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition website.

The California Highway Patrol recently gave the go-ahead for a reward in the hit-and-run case after investigators exhausted all other leads. CHP Sgt. Richard Mota said:

“The CHP needs the public’s help in this investigation. I believe that someone out there has information that could lead to the arrest of the responsible person. The reward money will hopefully entice that person to come forward.”

Vehicle description

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported shortly after the crash last October that the CHP was investigating the hit-and-run as an assault. Witnesses said a vehicle similar to the one in the hit-and-run had been harassing cyclists earlier along the route.

The hit-and-run occurred at about 4:15 p.m. on Oct. 9 on the eastbound lane of Graton Road. The vehicle is described as a maroon, mid-1990's Ford Explorer.

Anybody with any information is urged to contact Detective Mike Phennicie or Sgt. Robert Mota at (707) 588-1400 during business hours (8-5 PST Monday-Friday) or (707) 551-4100 outside of business hours.

Challenging recovery

The hit-and-run involved bicyclist Anoush Zebarjadian, of San Francisco. Newspaper accounts say that the vehicle appeared to come up alongside the 57-year-old cyclist, and veered toward him. Zebarjadian was hit by the vehicle's mirror, which caused him to crash and strike his head on the pavement.

The cyclist was heading downhill at the time and traveling about 30 to 35 mph. Zebargadian was hospitalized in Santa Rosa and transfered to San Francisco with critical head injuries.

A Velostreet press release said Zebargadian is expected to make a full recovery, although it will be lengthy and challenging.

More information at Velostreet media alert.