Riverside driver arrested, accused of intentionally hitting bicyclist who died

Last Updated on August 22, 2021 by CCAR Staff

RIVERSIDE — A man accused of intentionally striking and killing a bicyclist with his pickup in Riverside was arrested and remained jailed Saturday on $1 million bail.

Sergio Reynaldo Gutierrez, 31, of Riverside was taken into custody on Tuesday in the 2900 block of 10th Street nearly three weeks after the fatal hit-and-run, according to the Riverside Police Department.

Investigators allege that around 12:40 p.m. on July 29, Gutierrez was driving a black Ford F250 when he had a “brief interaction” with 46-year-old Benedicto Solanga, who was riding a bicycle on Market Street near the 60 Freeway.

Police say that afterward, Gutierrez drove off and made a U-turn, then returned and rammed Solanga before driving away.

Solanga suffered major injuries and was taken to a hospital in grave condition, where a few days later, he died of those injuries.

Later that evening, police found the suspect vehicle unoccupied in the 3200 block of Iowa Avenue, which led to the arrest of Gutierrez on Tuesday, police said.

He was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on suspicion of murder.