Cyclist Killed During Car Chase In Cleveland

CLEVELAND — A 38-year-old is accused of stealing a car with a 2-year-old child inside, Cleveland police announced. While being chased by police, the man hit a cyclist with a car, killing the cyclist.

On Friday night, at 8:20 p.m., a woman parked her 2007 Ford on W. 44th Street. She left her 2-year-old child in the car, with her cousin watching her, and went into a house. Eric Maldonado then walked to the car, pushed the cousin down and stole the Ford, police said.

The mother got into another car and began following Maldonado. She called police and gave them updates on where he was driving.

Cleveland police spotted Maldonado and the Ford on W. 65th. They began following him. Maldonado sped off, police said. Officers gave chase.

During the pursuit, Maldonado hit a bicyclist, police said. He then drove into a parked car and a tree. He jumped out of the Ford and tried to run but was taken into custody.

The 2-year-old was not injured in the chase. The cyclist was pronounced dead on the scene, police said.