GOODYEAR, AZ – The man who hit a group of cyclists biking on a bridge near a Goodyear highway on Saturday in the West Valley has been arrested.
Goodyear Police say 26-year-old Pedro Quintana-Lujan was arrested and booked on Saturday, February 25th, 2023. He faces various charges, including two counts of manslaughter, three counts of aggravated assault, 18 counts of endangerment, and two counts of causing serious injury or death by a moving violation.
Two of the cyclists died, one at the scene and one later at a nearby hospital. One victim was visiting from out of state, and the other was from Goodyear. Another cyclist is still in critical condition after the incident. The investigation is still underway, and details regarding impairment being a factor have not been released. The crash was reported Saturday around 8 a.m. on the Cotton Lane Bridge, next to the MC-85. Many individuals were treated at the scene and taken to hospitals.
Common Causes of Arizona Bicycle Accidents
Driver negligence that results in cycling accidents and injuries often results from a driver:
- Failing to yield or stop
- Turning into a street into an oncoming bicyclist
- Opening a vehicle door into a cyclist
- Making an unsafe lane change
- Failing to stop at crosswalks
- Failing to stop before a driveway
- Crossing into a bike lane
- Sideswiping cyclists on the shoulder
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving – often from texting and driving
The Goodyear Police Department released a statement saying that it is deeply saddened by this tragedy and extends condolences to the loved ones of the victims as well as to the cycling community and the community as a whole.
Paraic McGlynn, the owner of Cyclologic in Scottsdale, said one of the crash victims Clay Wells, became his friend after walking into his store 11 years ago. McGlynn said Wells recently retired and has undergone two surgeries since the crash. “He’s had surgeries to stabilize his cerebral spine, and there are more surgeries to make sure they triage his injuries to ensure for little, long term damage as possible,” said McGlynn.
Both McGlynn and van Leuven worry their friends will no longer ride after they recover due to their injuries or trauma. “These people’s lives will never be the same again, even the ones that are going to come back to us and keep riding with us,” said van Leuven. He hopes they will come out stronger and not let this tragedy keep them from their passion.
We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the victims of this crash. Call (602) 254-6071 to talk with an Arizona personal injury attorney if you or a loved one were injured in a car or bicycle accident.
Source: 3TV/CBS5