Bicyclist killed in hit-and-run crash on New Kings Road

16 arrests in 51 fatal hit-and-run cases since 2014

JACKSONVILLE – A bicyclist was killed in a hit-and-run crash Sunday night in Northwest Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said. 

According to police, Bruce Williams, 52, was riding his bicycle south on New Kings Road near Redpoll Avenue about 9:15 p.m. when he was struck by an unknown vehicle that did not stop.

Police said Williams, who lived less than half a mile away, died at the scene.

People in the area told News4Jax that Williams was liked by many and rode his bicycle everywhere. They described him as a great guy and a respectful man.

"Nice guy," said one man who lives in the area. "If I needed some work done, I could pay him to do it -- cut my mom's grass or rake her yard, take the trash cans from the backyard and put them up front. I would give him a couple dollars for that to help him out."

The man said hopes the person responsible will do the right thing and contact police.

"I mean, obviously, it was an accident so you could’ve easily pulled over and said, 'Call the police,'" he said.

Northwest Jacksonville residents said the stretch of New Kings Road where the crash happened is very dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians because of the heavy amount of traffic, but also because there are not sidewalks on both sides of the road. They said something needs to be done, such as adding sidewalks, crosswalks or flashing lights. 

 Number of fatal hit-and-run crashesNumber of those crashes that involved pedestriansNumber of arrests made in those crashes
201875 pedestrians, 1 bicyclist, 1 on motorized wheelchair0
2017148 pedestrians, 2 bicyclists, 1 on motor scooter4
2016139 pedestrians5
201565 pedestrians2
2014119 pedestrians5

According to News4Jax records, there have been just 16 arrests in 51 fatal hit-and-run cases since 2014.

Anyone with information about Sunday evening's crash is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or e-mail JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward of up to $3,000, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477).