Bicycle Accident Attorneys: Suspect says Hit-and-Run “Intentional”; Cyclist Still in ICU

The Northwest is one of the most popular areas in the country for bicycle riding and there are thousands of year-round riders. That has made many local drivers more aware of bicyclists on the road than other drivers around the country. This does not keep cyclists from serious bicycle accidents though. These accidents are generally true accidents, but when the serious personal injuries caused in the accident are allegedly intentional as was the case this weekend in Spokane, then that is just disturbing.

Jonathan McElfish, 42, of Spokane, was riding his bicycle near Sprague and Dearborn in the Spokane Valley on Sunday morning when Dallas Cress, 22, of Spokane, suddenly ran over him with his red 1996 Ford Mustang. He then took off leaving McElfish in critical condition on the road.

Medical crews and police quickly responded and rushed McElfish to the hospital where he was listed as having critical injuries. Today he was upgraded to serious condition by the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where he remains a patient.

Late in the afternoon on Sunday, Cress called into Crime Check and admitted he was the driver who “intentionally” struck the bicyclist.

Investigators went to his location and took a verbal and written confession from Cress. They also seized the Mustang Cress he said he was driving the night of collision as evidence.

Police say that since Cress has been cooperating with law enforcement about his involvement in this incident and there is further investigation to complete in this matter, he has not been physically arrested.

Authorities said that assault charges will likely be filed at a later date once the entire investigation is completed.

We hope that the victim recovers swiftly and fully.

This story raises some questions about when the suspect will be arrested and why there is a delay. Many times it is under the advice of prosecutors who choose to create a stronger case in order to make the charges more concrete. We hope that the investigation is strong so that McElfish can get justice.

If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a bicycle accident then it is important that they find an experiencedpersonal injury lawyer. Call Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

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