Staff Writer
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
Information is being sought on a hit-and-run crash involving a bicyclist in the Shrine Hill area.
Vigo County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating the incident, which occurred just after 5 p.m. Monday on Old Fort Harrison Avenue near Smith Road.
Lt. Clark Cottom reports that bicyclist Greg Bent was riding west when he heard a vehicle approaching from behind. Bent said he rode to the far right side of the road to let the vehicle pass. Without warning, Bent said, he was struck from behind by the vehicle.
Witnesses reported that Bent was thrown from the bicycle by the impact. The driver momentarily slowed, looked back, and then sped from the scene. The witnesses said the suspect vehicle turned north on Smith Street, where the car stopped while the driver and front seat passenger exchanged places before speeding away.
The suspect car is believed to be a late 1980s Oldsmobile Delta 88 with faded gold paint. The vehicle displayed a blue Indiana license plate.
The driver is described as a large white female in her 30s with light-colored hair. She was wearing a white top with red capri pants.
The passenger is described as a slender white male who looked younger than the woman driver.
Bent was transported by Trans-Care Ambulance to Union Hospital, where he was treated for back injuries. He has since been released from the hospital.
Cottom reported that Bent, who is an avid bicyclist, was riding a Fuji Roubaix 61cm bicycle, valued at $1,500. The bicycle sustained major damage.
Any information on the incident can be reported to the Vigo County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division at (812) 462-3317.
