Driver Fled Scene After Striking and Killing Bicyclist on 49th Street
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – A St. Petersburg man is facing multiple felony charges, including DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide, after allegedly striking and killing a bicyclist in Gulfport and then fleeing the scene. The fatal incident occurred on Friday night, September 20, at approximately 10:08 p.m.
According to a news release from the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT), 22-year-old Xavier Omar Rigby was driving a 2021 Nissan Altima at a high rate of speed southbound on 49th Street, approaching 10th Avenue South.
At the same time, 38-year-old Kjersten Aileen-Hermance Strang was riding her E-bike in the same direction in the curb lane.
Investigators state that Rigby’s vehicle struck Strang, ejecting her from the bicycle and onto the vehicle’s windshield. Rigby continued to drive for approximately eight blocks before Strang was dislodged. He then left the scene without contacting emergency services. Strang was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A short time later, the St. Petersburg Police Department located Rigby at a residence on 49th Street South. Authorities said Rigby showed signs of impairment and refused to perform field sobriety tests. He was subsequently arrested and transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
Rigby has been charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death, Vehicular Homicide Leaving the Scene, and DUI Manslaughter.
READ: Pinellas County Jail Inmate Found Dead, Investigation Underway
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