Seattle-to-Portland ride marred by hit-and-run

Summary

Three cyclists riding in a Seattle to Portland bicycle ride were injured in a hit-and-run incident on Highway 30 near Columbia City, Oregon State Police said. One suffered serious injuries while the other two suffered minor injuries, police said.

Story Published: Jul 15, 2007 at 2:06 PM PST

Story Updated: Jul 15, 2007 at 5:34 PM PST

Seattle-to-Portland ride marred by hit-and-run

This man was arrested following a hit-and-run incident involving cyclists participating in a Seattle-to-Portland ride.

NEAR COLUMBIA CITY, Ore. - Three cyclists participating in the Seattle-to-Portland ride were injured in a hit-and-run accident on Sunday morning, according to the Oregon State Police.

Police said a 1999 Jeep Cherokee was driving on Highway 30 when it crossed the fog line and collided into a cyclist about 9:30 a.m. Two other cyclists collided into the fallen man and his bike and were also injured, police said.

Lt. Gregg Hastings said the three were taken to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. The hit cyclist, 24-year-old Gerald Marvin of Seattle, suffered serious injuries. He was listed in fair condition Sunday evening.

The other two cyclists were treated for minor injuries. Their names were not released by authorities.

Witnesses told police the driver of the Cherokee briefly stopped following the crash but then sped off heading east. St. Helens police officers caught up to him about eight miles east of the crash site and detained the driver.

Police identified the driver as Daniel B. Whittlinger, 40, from northeast Portland. He was arrested on charges of felony hit and run, DUII and a parole violation.

The trio were among thousands participating in the 200-mile ride, the largest multi-day bicycle event in the Northwest, according to the Cascade Bicycle Club, which organizes the event.

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