Suspect Caught in Hit-And-Run of Cyclist in Visalia

Although the victim initially survived the accident, he died in the hospital shortly after due to severe injuries

Authorities finally caught a woman suspect involved in a fatal crash that took place in early November in Tulare County. According to the California Highway Patrol, a 31-year-old female driver identified as Shay Dean Dejong was responsible for a hit-and-run with a cyclist in Visalia. She turned herself in two days after the accident at the CHP Visalia office on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022.

Officers responded to an emergency call of a car striking a bicycle around 1:00 p.m. at 144th Avenue and 313th Avenue. When the CHP arrived at the scene, a 25-year-old man was lying critically injured on the freeway.

Shortly thereafter, police learned that the man was on his bicycle when a gray vehicle struck him. Although he was rushed to the hospital for treatment of his injuries, he died within hours.

Hit-and-Run Driver Identified

After speaking with several witnesses, police identified Dejonge. Those present at the time of the accident confirmed that she was driving a 2012 Mazda when she fled the scene.

Authorities followed up on information that they were there was a gray sedan at a home on Hall St. that sustained damages to the right front fender, and windshield and was missing a right side mirror.

The officers were able to verify that a broken part of Dejonge’s car that was left at the scene matched the vehicle they saw on Hall St. Dejonge ran straight out of the home, according to officers, after they knocked on the front door. Investigators weren’t able to locate her in the neighborhood.

As a part of the ongoing investigation, the gray vehicle involved in the accident was seized as evidence.

Involved in a Hit and Run Accident?

Injuries from a car accident can be devastating, even resulting in death. Losing the life of a family member or dealing with serious injuries carries lifelong consequences. This is worse if the responsible party flees, as happened with the hit-and-run to the Visalia cyclist. To ensure that the responsible party pays for their mishap, it is best to contact an experienced hit-and-run lawyer.

At Adamson Ahdoot, we have a team with over 100 years of combined legal experience. Our attorneys’ goal is clear: to win your case. We want to provide you with the best possible financial settlement to recover any expenses. Loss of quality of life or mental suffering is also part of a future settlement.

Let us help you obtain the full benefit of your case. Available 24/7, call us today at (800) 310-1606 to schedule a free appointment. We will treat your case with the sensitivity and determination you deserve.