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An Omaha bicyclist was critically injured Tuesday afternoon by a car driving so erratically near 52nd and Emmett Streets that investigators determined that it had crossed the street and may have even jumped the sidewalk before striking him.

The driver fled the scene. About two hours later, police arrested 21-year-old Tyree Davis, who has a history of traffic violations, within blocks of the crash. He was booked on suspicion of leaving the scene of a personal injury collision.

Sgt. Joe Collins, a police spokesman, said the bicyclist, later identified as General Swayzer, 45, was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center and is expected to survive.

Swayzer suffered broken vertebrae in his neck, a severe cut to his scalp, numerous other bruises and cuts and faces possible paralysis, police said. It was not known if he was wearing a helmet.

The accident occurred about a block north of Monroe Middle School.

Witnesses told police the driver was speeding north on 52nd Street before hitting the bicyclist. Pieces of the vehicle, a Chevrolet Cruze, were found down the street from the hit-and-run, indicating that the vehicle had been driven recklessly. Collins said the vehicle crossed the center line into the oncoming lane before striking the bicyclist.