ORANGE COUNTY, CA — A woman was arrested Monday morning after striking three cyclists with an SUV in Huntington Beach, killing one and seriously injuring two others, police said.
The crash occurred around 6:47 a.m. near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Newland Street. When officers arrived, they found three men lying on the roadway. One of them was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Orange County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Eric John Williams, 45, a pastor of a small local church.
The two other cyclists were transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries, though they remained conscious, according to authorities.
Investigators said the driver, Amber Kristine Calderon, 43, of Long Beach, was behind the wheel of a gold 2006 Mercedes E-Class. She allegedly struck the cyclists while they were riding in the bike lane and then continued driving for more than half a mile before stopping.
Following the hit-and-run in Huntington Beach, Calderon was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), gross vehicular manslaughter, felony hit-and-run, and possession of narcotics.
According to the National Weather Service, there was fog along the Huntington Beach coast that morning, although police have not listed reduced visibility as a factor in the crash.
The investigation remains ongoing.
