News

Elkhart Sheriff's Dept looking for suspect in bicycle hit and run accident

Posted: 5:36 AM Jul 11, 2012
Reporter: Barbara Harrington

Elkhart Sheriff's Dept looking for suspect in bicycle hit and run accident

Elkhart County Police need the public’s help finding the driver in a hit-and-run accident that left a teen fighting for her life.

Around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, police say 17-year-old Zion Carlstrom and her younger brother were riding their bicycles southbound on C.R. 35 north of U.S. 20 in Middlebury.

Police say a Cadillac was traveling the same direction and hit Carlstrom, sending her flying off her bicycle and onto the pavement.

The car then sped away.

“According to witnesses, there was no attempt to stop even briefly,” said Elkhart County Sheriff Brad Rogers. “There’s no doubt the driver knew they hit something.”

Carlstrom was flown to South Bend’s Memorial Hospital with head and leg injuries, where she remains in critical condition.

Police say she wasn’t wearing a helmet and her bicycle didn’t have any lights.

“Bicyclists at night on these roads, highly traveled, they're taking their life in their own hands if they don't take themselves off the road during those confrontations,” Rogers said. “So, it's important bicyclists make themselves visible with reflective clothing, light, and things like that.”

Police are still investigating what caused the crash.

The only person who witnessed it was Carlstrom’s younger brother.

After running a parts search on debris at the scene, police discovered the car they are looking for is a 2008-2010 Cadillac STS of an unknown color.

The car will have passenger side bumper damage and damage to the windshield.

Anyone with information should call the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department at (574) 533-4151.

Police don’t know if speed or alcohol were involved in the accident.