JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A motorcyclist was killed after a crash in the Regency area early Wednesday morning.
All of Monument Road was closed from Lee Road to just west of St. Johns Bluff Road for several hours while officers investigated the cause of the crash. The accident was cleared and all lanes reopened about 7:30 a.m.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, around 2 a.m. an SUV was heading west on Monument Road near Brookwood Forest Boulevard and turned into the path of the motorcyclist, later identified as Sharif "Reece" Shihata (pictured below).
"At that time it turned into the path of a motorcycle that was traveling eastbound on Monument Road, the motorcycle struck the passenger side of the SUV," said Sgt. Rickie Valentine.
Police said Shihata was ejected from the bike and ended up in the back seat of the SUV after the collision. He died at the scene.
One person was in the SUV and sustained minor injuries from the crash. His name was not released.
"We have no indicators of any speed or alcohol being a factor at this time. But the investigators will take over at this time. And they will determine if anything was involved," said Valentine.
Valentine said the driver of the SUV has not been charged with anything at this time.
"It's going to depend on the conclusion of the investigation, if the investigators determine that speed or alcohol was a factor, there would be (charges). But if none of that is determined, than no he wouldn't be (charged). He could still face fines for turning into and causing the traffic crash," said Valentine.
Westbound lanes of Monument Road reopened around 6:30 a.m. The eastbound lanes opened about an hour later.
Traffic homicide detectives are investigating the deadly crash.