CHP searching for hit-and-run suspect as victim recovered from major injuries

A 19-year-old bicyclist is recovering from major injuries suffered during a hit-and-run in Isla Vista and the California Highway Patrol is searching for the suspect.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Pardall and Embarcadero del Mar on June 28 shortly before 2 p.m.

CHP said the 19-year-old Santa Barbara man was riding his bicycle west on Pardall Road when the suspect, described as a black man wearing a white t-shirt driving a dark sedan, approached the intersection without yielding to the bicyclist.

The move caused the bicyclist to abruptly apply his breaks causing him to be thrown off his bicycle.The 19-year-old broke his femur as a result.

CHP said the suspect parked his car to check on the bicyclist but soon fled the scene. He was last seen traveling northbound on Embarcadero del Mar in his dark sedan.

The bicyclist was taken to Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital with major injuries, according to CHP.

Authorities released an image of the suspect vehicle taken from a nearby surveillance camera. Investigators are hoping the community can help identify the suspect or his vehicle’s whereabouts.

CHP said there is no collision damage on the suspect car since there was no physical contact between the car and bicyclist. However, the suspect is wanted for a non-contact felony hit-and-run.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call Officer Kessinger at 805-967-1234 or public dispatch at 805-477-4174 after 5 p.m.