Current:Home > Markets16-year-old bicyclist struck, driven 4 miles while trapped on car's roof: Police -GrowthProspect
16-year-old bicyclist struck, driven 4 miles while trapped on car's roof: Police
View
Date:2025-04-13 13:37:58
A teenage bicyclist in Connecticut remains in critical condition after he was hit by a car and carried more than four miles on the vehicle's roof before the driver allegedly pushed him off and left him lying on the side of the road, police said.
Alex Joel Rivera, 29, is accused of hitting the 16-year-old and fleeing the scene with the teenager still on the vehicle's roof around 9:16 p.m. Friday, Avon police said in a news release shared on the department's Facebook page.
A GoFundMe organized by Jenny Eldridge, who said she is a friend of the teenager's mother, identified the victim as Liam Shields.
"My name is Jenny Eldridge and I'm a close friend of Andrea (Shields). We work together at Uconn Health. Her son had the worst nightmare of her life and was hit while biking in Avon in a hit and run accident," according to the GoFundMe page, which has raised more than $51,000 in donations. "He's fighting for his life with significant injuries. While his family is by his side, we're looking to raise money to support (his) family now and into the future days as they sit by Liam's side and pray for a full recovery."
Liam is a 10th-grade student at Avon High School, according to police and the GoFundMe. He also plays on the school's soccer team.
How did Liam Shields get injured?
Police learned about the incident when someone reported debris in the roadway around the area of Arch Road and Security Drive in Avon, according to the release. Responding officers found a damaged bicycle, loose amounts of candy and a cell phone in the roadway, police said.
The officers determined that a bicyclist was struck by a vehicle and evaded the scene, according to the release. The bicyclist could not be found at the scene, and the roadway was temporarily closed as police investigated, the department said.
Shortly after responding to the incident, police received another call from a witness about an injured teenager on the side of the road. It was quickly determined that the teenager was the struck bicyclist, police said.
Investigators determined the teenager was hit by a red Subaru Forester, and upon impact, he got trapped on the roof of the vehicle and carried a distance of over four miles via local roads to the area, police said. The driver then stopped to push Shields off the roof and "continue on his way," according to the department.
How did Avon police find Liam Shields?
Two good Samaritans who witnessed the red Subaru pulled over on the side of the road eventually saw the vehicle "drive erratically around them a short time later," police said. The good Samaritans returned to the area where they saw the Subaru because they "felt something was wrong," according to the release.
The two would then find the injured teenager and call 911. Police officers administered aid to the teen until emergency responders took him to a hospital, the department said.
Officers were able to find the Subaru, which had heavy front-end damage, thanks to information provided by witnesses, according to police.
Rivera was soon identified as the driver of the vehicle. He was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, evading responsibility and causing physical injury, operating a motor vehicle without a license and two counts of risk of injury to a child, the department said.
veryGood! (2)
Related
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- 2 robotaxi services seeking to bypass safety concerns and expand in San Francisco face pivotal vote
- After Ohio Issue 1's defeat, focus turns to abortion rights amendment on November ballot
- New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver to lie in state in the capitol rotunda
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Artemis 2 astronauts on seeing their Orion moonship for the first time: It's getting very, very real
- Teen Rapper Lil Tay Dead
- Below Deck Down Under's Captain Jason Speaks Out on Sexual Misconduct After 2 Shocking Firings
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- 'Shortcomings' is a comedy that lives in the discomfort
Ranking
- 'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
- Hurricane-fueled wildfires have killed at least 36 people in Maui
- Game on: Which home arcade cabinets should you buy?
- Inflation got a little higher in July as prices for rent and gas spiked
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- Treat Yourself to $600 Worth of Self-Care Products for $75: Elemis, Augustinus Bader, Slip, Nest & More
- Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: Get This $300 Crossbody Bag for Just $65
- The Swift impact: Eras Tour stop is boosting Los Angeles' GDP by estimated $320 million
Recommendation
Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
Child wounded when shots fired into home; 3rd shooting of a child in St. Louis area since Monday
Ariana Grande’s Boyfriend Ethan Slater Lands New Broadway Role After SpongeBob Show
Michael Lorenzen throws 14th no-hitter in Phillies history in 7-0 victory over Nationals
'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
Brody Jenner's Mom Reacts to His Ex Kaitlynn Carter's Engagement
Student loan payments to restart soon as pause ends: Key dates to remember.
Johnny Manziel's former teammate Mike Evans applauds him for speaking on mental health