Crime & Safety

Bethel Police Looking for Driver in Fatal Bike Hit-and-Run

Bethel police trying to identify driver that might have caused a fatal bicycling accident Sunday.

Bethel police have released a more detailed description of the car and driver thought to be involved in the hit-and-run death of a Weston cyclist at the intersection of Route 302 and Old Hawleyville Road on Sunday.

According to reports, 59-year-old Thomas Steinert-Threlkeld was riding westbound through the intersection when a car knocked into either Steinert-Threlkeld or his bike, causing him to fall.

Another vehicle rounding the corner struck Steinert-Threlkeld, pinning him beneath the car and causing injuries that ultimately led to his death at Danbury Hospital shortly after.

The initial car, described as a medium to dark, gray or silver sedan, left the scene traveling north on Old Hawleyville.

Witnesses at the scene and persons involved have told police that the sedan has tinted windows and was possibly an Acura. The vehicle might also have damage to the rear passenger side area (between the rear door and bumper), where the contact with Steinert-Threlkeld’s bike is thought to have occurred.

Witnesses described the suspected driver as an early- to mid-20s male, either white or Hispanic, small to medium build, with a thin line of facial hair along his jaw line.

On the day of the accident, he was seen wearing an earring in his left ear and a white t-shirt.

Anyone with information about the suspect or the incident is asked to contact Cpl. James Christos or Sgt. Steve Pugner.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.