GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Goodyear City Prosecutor's Office has filed charges against the driver involved in a fatal cyclist crash on the Cotton Lane bridge.
Goodyear police said the driver struck the barrier wall on the side of the bridge and traveled for roughly 520 feet before finally coming to a stop. The vehicle ran into a large group of cyclists traveling over the bridge. Police said 17 cyclists sustained injuries and two of them died.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Goodyear imputa cargos contra conductor involucrado en un choque a ciclista en el puente Cotton Lane
The driver, identified as Pedro Quintana-Lujan, told investigators his steering wheel had locked.
The deceased were identified as 61-year-old Karen Malisa of Goodyear and 65-year-old David Kero of Michigan.
Police had initially attempted to submit charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault against Quintana-Lujan, but the county attorney declined to prosecute.
The complaint filed by the Goodyear City Prosecutor's Office alleges Quintana-Lujan committed 11 violations:
- 2 counts of a violation of 28-672.A.1: Causing Death by a Moving Violation
- 9 counts of a violation of 28-672.A.1: Causing Serious Physical Injury by a Moving Violation
Each count is a class one misdemeanor, which means Quintana-Lujan, if convicted, will pay a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 as well as attendance in a traffic school class. The maximum for any class one misdemeanor is six months in jail, three years supervised probation and $2,500 in fines.
Some members of the West Valley cycling community are disappointed the suspect is facing misdemeanor charges rather than a felony.
"It's a nightmare that has changed my life and life of my friends forever," Paul Theisen said.
The charges were filed after a thorough review of the evidence provided by the Goodyear Police Department, according to a news release.
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