Vehicle struck e-bike rider and fled the scene at Northern Avenue intersection
March 03, 2026 | Pueblo, CO
Pueblo authorities are investigating a tragic hit-and-run that claimed the life of a local man riding an e-bike.
The incident unfolded in the afternoon, prompting a swift response from law enforcement to track down the fleeing driver.
Richard J. Murillo died after an e-bike was struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run at Santa Fe Drive and Northern Avenue in Pueblo.
What Happened in the Crash?
The Pueblo Police Department reported that Richard J. Murillo was operating an e-bike when it was struck by a white Kia sedan at approximately 4:30 p.m. near the intersection of Santa Fe Drive and Northern Avenue. The driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped, leaving Murillo critically injured. He was declared deceased at the location by responding emergency personnel.
- Date and Time: March 3, around 4:30 p.m.
- Location: Santa Fe Drive and Northern Avenue, Pueblo, Colorado
- Vehicles Involved: E-bike operated by victim, and white Kia sedan, later confirmed stolen
- Outcome: Victim pronounced dead on scene, driver at large
- Vehicle Recovery: The Kia was discovered unoccupied at 1300 South Queens Ave., reported stolen the previous day on March 2
Investigators urge anyone with information to contact the Pueblo Police Department at (719) 553-2453 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at (719) 542-7867.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from drivers fearing legal consequences, such as intoxication, unlicensed operation, or outstanding warrants. These crashes not only evade immediate accountability but also complicate investigations and justice for victims' families.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hit-and-run accidents pose a significant public safety risk. Below is a summary of recent data:
Year Range |
Total Hit-and-Run Incidents |
Fatalities Involved |
|---|
2018-2022 |
Over 4 million |
More than 12,000 |
This table highlights the scale of the issue, drawing from NHTSA reports to underscore the need for heightened awareness and enforcement.
Legal Insights on Hit-and-Run Cases
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, thorough investigations play a crucial role in establishing fault and supporting affected parties. National legal analysts emphasize the importance of independent reviews to examine all angles.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, a managing partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be fully considered. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has been injured by a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
- Prompt initiation of independent investigations to preserve evidence and rights.
- Evaluation of environmental factors like lighting and road design in negligence claims.
- Pursuit of compensation for medical costs, lost income, and emotional impacts in viable cases.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
Families in similar situations may explore wrongful death claims to address losses, guided by legal counsel familiar with these proceedings.
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For transparency, our Corrections Policy ensures a 24-hour review of any submitted feedback, reinforcing our dedication to accurate reporting on critical topics like hit-and-run crashes, e-bike safety, and Pueblo traffic incidents.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).