Fresno police patrol car hits bicyclist in southeast Fresno. Who was at fault?

A Fresno police officer hit a bicyclist Thursday night while driving a patrol vehicle in southeast Fresno.

It happened around 7:48 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of Chestnut and Grant avenues.

Investigators said the bicyclist smelled of alcoholic beverages and was being looking into for possibly riding his bike while under the influence, according to Lt. Tim Tietjen said.

Tietjen added that the officer who hit the bicyclist also was being investigated to determine who was at fault.

The officer was traveling north on Chestnut in the left lane and driving the speed limit when the bicyclist darted out onto the street while trying to cross four lanes of traffic on a dark night, based on preliminary reports.

The bike did not have any lights or reflectors, which made it all the more difficult for the officer to notice the man.

The officer’s SUV hit the bike, sending the man onto the road.

The man was taken a local hospital, and was considered to be in stable condition.

Traffic going north on Chestnut near the incident was shut down for at least an hour.

The investigation is ongoing.

This story was originally published November 21, 2019 at 11:09 PM.