Mario Matias, 60, of Orlando faces felony charges after a 56-year-old bicyclist died following a collision on Reynolds Road in Lakeland, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. The charges include leaving the scene of a crash, cocaine possession and fentanyl possession.
Case status
Deputies said Matias was driving a Ford F-150 when it struck the back left portion of the bicycle near Sunshine Avenue and Reynolds Road at about 9:10 p.m. Sunday. The rider was thrown onto the shoulder and later died at a hospital after first responders attempted lifesaving measures. The sheriff's office said the bicycle had working lights.
The pickup was gone by the time emergency personnel arrived, according to the sheriff's office. A witness later told deputies that Matias stopped about a mile from the collision, got out to examine the damage to his truck and then drove away. Investigators used that account to locate the vehicle.
What investigators reported
In a sworn interview described by WTSP, Matias said he knew he had struck something. He also indicated that he would have continued driving to Orlando without reporting the crash if patrol officers had not stopped him.
Deputies reported no physical signs of impairment when they stopped Matias. They said a small baggie containing cocaine and fentanyl was found in his pocket after his arrest. The sheriff's office credited the witness's report with helping investigators find the truck, according to the Tampa Free Press.
