Montclair police have arrested a 38-year-old man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed two bicyclists and injured two others during a late-night Halloween-themed ride on Saturday.
Montclair police arrested Valentin Alberto Rodriguez on suspicion of driving under the influence, felony hit-and-run, and gross vehicular manslaughter, authorities confirmed Sunday. Rodriguez, who was taken into custody at his home near the crash scene, faces multiple charges following the collision at the intersection of Kingsley Street and Tudor Avenue around 10:39 p.m. on October 28.
The crash occurred as a group of approximately 30 cyclists rode eastbound on Kingsley Street. Rodriguez, driving in the opposite direction, allegedly struck several riders before fleeing the scene. Witnesses assisted police in locating him, and he was detained at 2:40 a.m. Sunday.
Two cyclists died in the collision, while two others suffered injuries. A 25-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, and a 30-year-old woman died at a nearby hospital early Sunday morning. A third victim remained hospitalized in stable condition with major injuries, while a fourth cyclist, who sustained a minor head laceration, declined further medical treatment.
Authorities did not immediately release the identities of the victims. The ride was not sponsored by the city, according to police, who described it as a self-organized event. Investigators recovered mangled bicycles and debris from the roadway, including parts possibly from Rodriguez’s Honda Accord.
Rodriguez was booked into the West Valley Detention Center and faces charges including DUI causing injury or death, felony hit-and-run, and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. The case remains under active investigation, with authorities reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements.
Neighbors reported hearing a loud thud near the time of the crash, which occurred just before Halloween. The incident has prompted renewed discussions about road safety and enforcement of impaired driving laws in the community.