Vallejo Man Arrested In Teen Bicyclist's Death; May Have Been Using Cellphone: Police

SOLANO COUNTY, CA -- Vallejo police arrested a man Thursday morning on suspicion of the vehicular manslaughter of a 16-year-old boy on a bicycle earlier this month. Joseph Jordan Jr., 53, of Vallejo, was arrested around 9:10 a.m. today at his home, Lt. Michael Nichelini said.

The collision between Jordan's 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche happened on Columbus Parkway south of Georgia Street around 8:45 p.m. on July 13. Jordan was driving north on Columbus Parkway when he struck Guillermo Espinoza Jr. from behind. The boy, who was not wearing a helmet, was bicycling with his father on the right edge of the roadway. The teen was dragged approximately 100 feet, Nichelini said.

Espinoza died of head and internal injuries on July 16.

• 16-Year-Old Bicyclist Hit By Truck Dies: Vallejo Police
  

A funeral and memorial service is being held today, Nichelini said.

Guillermo Espinoza Sr., 43, who also was struck by the vehicle, suffered minor injuries, Nichelini said.

Evidence at the scene indicated Jordan's vehicle left the lane of travel, and police are investigating whether Jordan was using his cellphone at the time, Nichelini said Thursday morning.

By Bay City News Service

Image via Vallejo Police Department