Gerald Zoleta Garcia, 43, was hit and killed near Rose Avenue and Raiders Way shortly after 2 a.m. According to police, Garcia was one of two bicyclists riding southbound on Rose Avenue in the bicycle lane. The suspect, later identified as 29-year-old Policarpio Diaz, was driving a black 2000 Volkswagen GTI.
Police said according to a witness, Diaz was driving in the bike lane. That's when Garcia was hit. Garcia was ejected from the bike, and Diaz fled the scene with the bike stuck underneath the car. Paramedics found Garcia lying in the road. He suffered fatal injuries.
Witnesses helped police locate Diaz nearby. Police said Diaz showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. Diaz was arrested booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony DUI, felony hit and run, felony vehicular manslaughter and two outstanding misdemeanor DUI warrants.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call police at (805) 385-7750.
