Bicyclist In Critical Condition From Hit-And-Run In Frostproof

FROSTPROOF, FL — A 26-year-old man is accused by police of hitting a bicyclist in Frostproof and then leaving the scene, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said.

A 25-year-old bicyclist was hit by the suspect, Joshua Matthews of Frostproof on Monday about 10:38 p.m. on County Road 630 east of Airport Road, detectives said.

According to the preliminary investigation, the victim was riding his bike westbound on CR 630 when Mathews’ truck traveled eastbound and went across the center line and hit the bicyclist.

Mathews kept driving, authorities said.

The driver’s side mirror at the crash scene along with some broken glass from a headlight matched the damage on Matthews' 2008 Chevy Silverardo, investigators said.

According to statements made by Mathews to investigators, he said he had fallen asleep while driving Monday night and woke up from the impact. He said he knew he hit something, but was afraid to stop and report it because he had consumed several beers that evening and didn’t want to be arrested for driving under the influence.

“The driver left the scene without even checking to see what he hit, leaving the victim badly injured on the side of the road," said Sheriff Grady Judd. "Fear of getting in trouble is no excuse. Leaving the scene of a crash is illegal, and as a result of Mr. Mathews’ decision to not stop and render aid, a human being was left out there seriously injured. He could have died.”

Deputies arrested Matthews on Wednesday and he faces charges of leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury, detectives said.

Investigators said at the time of the crash, the bicyclist was not wearing a bicycle helmet, and no lights were on the bike.

The victim was flown to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center for treatment and is in critical, but stable condition, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Due to Marsy's Law, Polk County Sheriff's Office will not release the name of the victim.