From the Florida Highway Patrol
In Summary:
A bicyclist was found dead on August 17 along State Road 29, three days after investigators believe he was struck by a vehicle. Troopers later located a damaged 2014 Dodge pickup in Estero and arrested Pedro Lopez Fernando, 42, of Immokalee. He faces charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving death and tampering with evidence.
*****
A 42-year-old Immokalee man has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that killed a 19-year-old bicyclist from Lehigh Acres, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Pedro Lopez Fernando was arrested on charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving death and tampering with evidence. Officers booked him into the Collier County Jail.
The investigation began August 17, when the bicyclist and his bicycle were discovered at approximately 12:30 pm on the grass shoulder of State Road 29, south of State Road 82 in Collier County. The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.
Troopers initially did not know when the collision had occurred or what type of vehicle was involved. Evidence collected at the scene included multiple fragments of a headlight lens, FHP said. After an investigation by the FHP Traffic Homicide Investigation Unit, troopers determined the collision occurred at approximately 8:40 pm on August 14.
According to FHP, the bicyclist was traveling south on the paved apron of State Road 29 when a southbound vehicle struck him. The driver left the scene without stopping.
Troopers located a 2014 Dodge pickup truck on August 25 in a residential community in Estero. Investigators determined that damage to the truck was consistent with the collision and that both headlights had been replaced after the crash, according to FHP.
Troopers impounded the truck for further forensic examination before arresting Lopez Fernando.
The charges are accusations, and Lopez Fernando is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
FHP said the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about the crash may contact the Florida Highway Patrol or Crime Stoppers.
Key Points:
- The victim was a 19-year-old bicyclist from Lehigh Acres.
- Investigators determined the crash occurred at approximately 8:40 pm on August 14 on State Road 29.
- Investigators found the bicyclist and bicycle on the grass shoulder on August 17.
- Troopers located a damaged 2014 Dodge pickup in Estero on August 25.
- Pedro Lopez Fernando was arrested on charges of leaving the scene of a fatal crash and tampering with evidence.
