19-Year-Old Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident

News Summary

A 19-year-old man, Thomas Riggio, was arrested following a hit-and-run accident that killed a cyclist in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood. The NOPD reported that the incident occurred early Saturday morning, with the suspect fleeing the scene before being apprehended. The investigation revealed the vehicle involved sustained damages. This tragic event has raised concerns about cyclist safety on city streets.

New Orleans – A 19-year-old man was arrested in connection with a hit-and-run accident that resulted in the death of a bicyclist in the Bywater neighborhood early Saturday morning. The suspect, identified as Thomas Riggio from St. Bernard Parish, is facing serious charges as the investigation unfolds.

The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) reported that the tragic incident took place around 4:27 a.m. at the intersection of Alvar Street and Saint Claude Avenue. The victim, who was riding a bicycle, was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene immediately after the collision.

According to authorities, the vehicle involved is described as a dark gray or black four-door sedan, likely a Nissan or Toyota. Investigative teams noted that the suspect vehicle has visible damage to the passenger-side windshield and headlight, which may help in further inquiries. The NOPD’s Traffic Fatality Unit, assisted by the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, successfully located the vehicle and apprehended the driver.

Following the investigation, Thomas Riggio was booked into the Orleans Justice Center on one count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death. The identity of the victim has not yet been released, as it awaits confirmation from the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office, pending the completion of an autopsy.

The circumstances surrounding the incident have raised significant community concerns, particularly regarding the increasing number of fatalities involving cyclists due to vehicular accidents. Local bike shop owner Andy Trombatore expressed alarm about this troubling trend, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and safety measures for cyclists on the road.

The investigation is ongoing, with police encouraging anyone who may have additional information regarding the incident to reach out to the NOPD Traffic Fatality Unit at 504-658-6205 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111. Community cooperation is vital in ensuring justice is served and preventing future tragedies.

This incident underscores the dangers that cyclists face while navigating city streets and highlights the issue of drivers fleeing after accidents, leaving victims without assistance and contributing to a climate of fear among cyclists. As the investigation progresses, the NOPD aims to address not only this specific case but also broader safety measures that could benefit all road users in New Orleans.

In recent years, cycling has grown in popularity as a means of transportation in urban areas, creating a pressing need for enhanced safety protocols to protect cyclists. Local authorities and advocacy groups continue to push for improved infrastructure and driver education to mitigate risks and protect vulnerable road users.

The tragic loss of life in this incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities each driver carries while sharing the road with cyclists and the devastating consequences that can follow negligence.

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Fox8 Live
• Wikipedia: Cycling Safety
• WWLTV
• Google Search: Hit-and-Run Accidents
• WDSU
• Google Scholar: Bicycle Accidents
• WGNO
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
• WWLTV
• Google News: Bicycle Fatalities