DUI Driver, 77, Struck Bicyclist, Fled Scene: Fairfield Police (UPDATED)

FAIRFIELD, CT — A 77-year-old Fairfield man was operating under the influence when he struck a bicyclist and fled the scene on Tuesday afternoon, according to police. The bicyclist sustained “several injuries of unknown extent” and was transported to Bridgeport Hospital for treatment, Lt. Robert Kalamaras said in a press release.

At about 12 noon on Aug. 8, the Fairfield Police Department’s traffic unit responded to Black Rock Turnpike near the Route 15 Southbound entrance ramp after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a bicyclist was struck by a vehicle. (To sign up for Fairfield breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

“An initial investigation revealed that the vehicle fled the scene southbound on the Merritt Parkway,” Kalamaras said. “The vehicle was described as a gray vehicle with front end damage. Moments later, officers with the Westport Police Department stopped a vehicle northbound on the Merritt Parkway near Exit 42. The vehicle had significant front end damage and evidence at the crash site matched that of damage to the vehicle.”

The operator of the vehicle, Barry Podber, 77, of Pierce Street in Fairfield, was arrested and charged with evading responsibility and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. He was held on a $5,000 bond at Fairfield Police headquarters and is due to appear in court on Aug. 22.

The incident remains under investigation by the Fairfield Police Traffic / Crash Investigation Unit.

Pictured: Barry Podber, 77, of Fairfield / via the Fairfield Police Department