Hit-And-Run Near Petaluma Leaves Bicyclist With Major Injuries

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A Petaluma bicyclist suffered major injuries in a hit-and-run collision Thursday night that may have involved a late-model Audi Q5 SUV or similar-model car, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash was reported at 8:37 p.m. on Ely Road north of Corona Road in an unincorporated area northeast of Petaluma, an official with the California Highway Patrol said.

A 70-year-old Petaluma man was riding a bicycle northbound along the right shoulder of Ely Road when he was struck by a car, according to CHP Officer David deRutte.

"It was reported that the vehicle had fled the scene and the bicyclist was down in the roadway," deRutte said.

The bicyclist suffered major injuries but is expected to survive, deRutte said.

Prior to being taken by ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, the victim was able to tell CHP officers that the car that hit him was possibly an Audi SUV.

A gray side-view mirror and a piece of the car's grille were among vehicle parts found by officers at the scene, the CHP said.

"A preliminary search of the vehicle parts by serial number have led us to believe the suspect vehicle may be a late-model Audi Q5 or similar," deRutte said. "Details regarding the vehicle description were broadcast to CHP and allied agencies for a Be-On-the-Lookout."

Any possible witnesses or anyone with information regarding the crash are asked to call the Santa Rosa CHP office at 707-588-1400.