CRANSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — A bicyclist died Monday night after being struck by a vehicle near Wellington Avenue and Well Avenue.
According to authorities, police responded to reports of a bicyclist down in the roadway and found 58-year-old Michael Ouellet with severe injuries, including multiple head lacerations. He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Initial investigations revealed that Ouellet was walking his bicycle when the collision occurred. His bicycle, a black and white mountain bike, sustained significant damage, consistent with being hit from behind, police said.
The driver, identified as 21-year-old Kelvin Santana of Cranston, fled the scene but later returned. According to police, his vehicle showed damage to the front driver's side and has been towed to Cranston Police Headquarters. Santana has been cooperative with investigators.
Authorities stated that driver impairment does not appear to have been a factor in the incident. The area was poorly lit, with multiple streetlights reported non-functional at the time, and light snow flurries were present.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities indicated that criminal or civil charges may follow, depending on findings. Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the Cranston Police Department Traffic Unit at 401-942-2211.