Police identify bicyclist killed by hit-and-run driver in SUV

The Des Moines Register | The Des Moines Register

Police identified the 56-year-old bicyclist who died after being hit early Saturday by an SUV in Des Moines as Darrel Ford, according to a news release.

At about 1 a.m., Des Moines police and fire personnel responded to a report of a vehicle-bicycle crash.

Witnesses told police that a full-size, red sport utility vehicle struck a man on a bicycle at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and Woodland Avenue. The SUV driver fled the scene, traveling south on MLK, according to a release from the Des Moines Police Department.

Ford, of Des Moines, was transported to a hospital, where he died.

After investigating, police believe that the SUV had the right of way and that the bicyclist ran a red light.

The SUV is described as a newer model and should have front end, driver’s side and windshield damage. Anyone with information is asked to call 515-271-4650 or 515-283-4811.