Police: Driver arrested after bicyclist seriously hurt in Mayport Road hit-and-run

Hit-and-run driver arrested after brief pursuit by Atlantic Beach officer, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man riding a bicycle on Mayport Road was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash Saturday evening, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Officers said the bicyclist was riding in the road, north of Dutton Island Road, about 6:20 p.m. when he was struck. Police said the driver got out of his car, but when an off-duty Atlantic Beach officer stopped to help, the driver got back in his car and took off.

That officer was able to catch up to the driver in just a few blocks, and he was arrested. The driver now faces charges of fleeing and resisting on top of the charges he will face for hitting the bicyclist, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The bicyclist was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries and was in life-threatening condition at last check, police said.

Lawrence Hendricks told News4Jax that he saw authorities investigating the crash. As a bicyclist, he said, he tries his best to stay vigilant.

“Pay attention, look left, look right,” Hendricks said.

He said he has been hit twice before while cycling along Mayport Road.

“Once by BP and one by the Navy Exchange,” Hendricks said.

Hendricks and several other bicyclists in the area, including Gerald Jayne, choose to stay on the sidewalk in order to stay safe.

“Assume people are going to run that stop sign or that stoplight -- ride defensively,” Jayne said.

Traffic homicide detectives took over the investigation because the bicyclist’s injuries were life-threatening.