FRIANT – The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding those who beat and robbed a cyclist on Friant Road.
Just before 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, Apr. 15, a retired CHP officer in his early 60s was riding his bicycle north along Friant Road.
Shortly after passing Sumner Peck Ranch Winery, the man reportedly noticed a light-colored, older model compact SUV on the shoulder of the road with its hood up and rear hatch open. Two man were standing near the vehicle.
As the bicyclist attempted to pass by, one of the men rushed toward him, says the Sheriff’s Office. The cyclist later woke up to medical personnel and citizens helping to treat his injuries, which included a wound to his head, a fractured arm and collarbone.
The man’s bike was gone, along with his wallet, which held his badge identifying him as a retired officer with the California Highway Patrol. He was taken to the hospital and is currently listed in stable condition.
There is no information to show that this rider was specifically targeted.
Property crimes detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office are investigating this case and are in need of the public’s help. Detectives are looking for witnesses or any video someone may have captured along this stretch of Friant Road between 5:30 and 7 a.m. on Sunday. It may contain images to help identify the suspects.
Detectives have spoken with some witnesses who were at the scene, including a person who claims to have possibly seen the victim’s bicycle in the back of the suspects’ SUV as it drove away.
However, detectives would like to speak with a person who reportedly tried to follow the suspects southbound on Friant Road. This Good Samaritan has not been identified and detectives wish to speak with them in hopes that it might help them solve this case.
The victim’s bicycle is described as the following:
- 2004 Ridley Excalibur carbon fiber bike with silver and white writing
- White tapped handle bars with black arrow bars
- White cables
- Half white and half black seat
- Black rims with silver spokes and red spoke ends and red hubs
- Small pouch behind under seat with tubes and tools and another pouch under the crossbar
The public is encouraged to be on the lookout for this unique bike, which the suspects could attempt to sell online or at a store.
Anyone with information about the suspects or the vehicle is asked to contact Detective Tim Juarez at (559) 600-8061 or Timothy.Juarez@fresnosheriff.org.
You may also contact Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
