Bicyclist Killed by DUI Driver in Newport Beach

July 18th ─ a bicyclist from Costa Mesa was struck and killed by a suspected DUI driver early Saturday morning in Newport Beach. According to authorities, Newport Beach Police officers responded to a report around 1:19 a.m. of a collision involving an SUV and two bicyclists on Newport Boulevard and Industrial Way. Eyewitnesses told police that a 2015 Kia Sorento SUV was heading north on Newport Boulevard when it struck two bicyclists. The driver fled the scene failing to stop and render aid to the injured victims. One of the bicyclists, Jose Vasquez-Perez, 41-years old of Costa Mesa, was pronounced dead on arrival by first responders. The condition of the other bicyclist was not made public.

The driver of the Kia Sorento SUV was later apprehended on Newport Boulevard near 16th Street, attempting to push the SUV believed to be involved in the collision out of the roadway, according to police. The driver was identified as Taylor Russell Evans, 25-years old of Santa Ana. Evans was arrested on suspicion was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI with bodily injury, hit and run and vehicular manslaughter. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Evans was held at the Men’s Central Jail in Santa Ana and was scheduled for a Tuesday morning court appearance. Evans posted his $100,000 bail and was released from Sheriff’s custody. This is the 31st bicycling fatality in Southern California since the beginning of 2017, and the 5th in Orange County. This is also at least the 13th bicycling death in Newport Beach since 2010, averaging nearly 2 a year.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle, bike or scooter collision, Motorcycle Lawyer Pros strongly encourages you to call our motorcycle accident attorneys at 1.855.869.4777 for a free consultation. Our highly skilled and experienced attorneys will provide you with the best legal representation and guidance that you need. Our offices are conveniently located throughout California and we conduct regular travels in the region to meet with clients.