Needham Street near McHenry Avenue: a pickup traveling through an alley struck a 63-year-old bicyclist on Alice Street, and the driver was arrested after leaving
MODESTO, CALIFORNIA (October 5, 2026): A 63-year-old bicyclist was killed in a Modesto hit-and-run on Monday afternoon, October 5, near Needham Street and McHenry Avenue in downtown Modesto, according to the Modesto Police Department, as reported by CBS Sacramento and The Modesto Bee. The crash happened at about 4 p.m. A 33-year-old Modesto man was arrested later. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
According to police, as reported by The Modesto Bee, a white Chevrolet Silverado heading east on Needham Street turned into an alley just west of McHenry Avenue and continued north through it, then hit the bicyclist, who was riding west on Alice Street. The rider was pronounced dead at the scene. The name has been withheld until relatives are notified.
Police said the driver did not stop. Patrol officers and the department’s Real-Time Crime Center identified and located the Silverado, and officers stopped it near Ninth and M streets, where the driver was given a sobriety test. The Bee reported that the 33-year-old was booked on suspicion of murder, hit-and-run resulting in death and DUI causing injury or death, and is being held without bail. CBS Sacramento reported that police noted a prior DUI-related history.
Police told CBS Sacramento this was Modesto’s 10th deadly traffic crash of 2026. The investigation continues, and anyone who saw the collision can contact the Modesto Police Department.
Liability for the Modesto Bicycle Hit-and-Run
California Vehicle Code § 20001 requires a driver involved in a crash that injures or kills someone to stop, help the injured person and provide identifying information. Vehicle Code § 23153 makes it a crime to drive while impaired and cause injury to another person, and under Vehicle Code § 21200 a person riding a bicycle on a roadway generally has the same rights as the driver of a vehicle. Based on what Modesto police have released, the questions include:
- Leaving the scene: Police said the driver kept going after striking the rider on Alice Street. Fleeing a fatal crash is a felony in California and generally weighs heavily in a civil claim.
- Suspected impairment: The driver was booked on suspicion of DUI causing injury or death. Chemical test results are likely to be key evidence in both the criminal and civil cases.
- The path through the alley: Vehicle Code § 21804 generally requires a driver leaving an alley to yield to traffic on the street, so the pickup’s route and speed will likely be examined.
- Punitive damages: Civil Code § 3294 can allow punitive damages if the evidence shows a driver acted with conscious disregard for the safety of others.
The bicyclist’s family may bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. That claim is separate from the criminal case, and the outcome of the prosecution does not decide it. The driver’s auto insurance is usually the first source of recovery, and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on a household policy can also protect a person on a bicycle.
Steps to Take After a Modesto Bicycle Hit-and-Run
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, bicyclists are among the most vulnerable road users because they have almost no protection in a collision with a motor vehicle. When a driver flees and is arrested later, families often face a criminal case and insurance questions at once.
- Request the police report: Ask the Modesto Police Department for the case number and the collision report once it is complete.
- Keep the bicycle and gear: Do not repair or discard the bicycle, helmet or clothing. Their damage can help show the point of impact.
- Use victims’ rights: Under Marsy’s Law, families can ask to be notified of court dates. The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s victim services staff can explain the process.
- Ask about CalVCB: The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) may help with certain funeral and related expenses after a crime such as a hit-and-run or DUI.
Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If the visibility or design of the alley or nearby streets maintained by the City of Modesto is examined, a government claim is generally due within six months under Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating the Modesto Bicycle Hit-and-Run
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the 63-year-old bicyclist who lost their life on Alice Street. Important questions remain: What will chemical tests show about the driver’s condition? And how fast was the Silverado moving through the alley west of McHenry Avenue?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck, bicycle or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on October 8, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on October 5, 2026.
