Police say SUV struck rider during left turn at Academy Boulevard
March 20, 2026 | Colorado Springs, CO
Yamiel Navarrete-Garcia, 23, faces charges following a hit-and-run incident that left a bicyclist with serious injuries in Colorado Springs, El Paso County.
Authorities from the Colorado Springs Police Department responded to the scene late Friday evening.
Yamiel Navarrete-Garcia, 23, was arrested after allegedly striking a bicyclist with an SUV and fleeing at South Academy Boulevard and Pace Drive in Colorado Springs.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision took place around 10:11 p.m. on March 20 at the intersection of South Academy Boulevard and Pace Drive. Navarrete-Garcia was operating a black SUV heading southbound on South Academy Boulevard. A woman riding an electric dirt bike was traveling northbound on the same road, nearing the intersection.
As Navarrete-Garcia attempted a left turn onto eastbound Pace Drive, she did not yield to oncoming traffic, resulting in the SUV striking the electric dirt bike. The driver fled the area immediately after the crash.
- Date and Time: March 20, around 10:11 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of South Academy Boulevard and Pace Drive, Colorado Springs, CO
- Vehicles Involved: Black SUV and electric dirt bike
- Injuries: The bicyclist sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital
- Suspect Actions: Navarrete-Garcia left the scene but was later apprehended
Police quickly identified and located the suspect's vehicle parked at a nearby apartment complex, leading to her arrest on multiple hit-and-run-related charges.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Involving Bicyclists Occur?
Bicyclists face heightened risks on roadways shared with motor vehicles. Factors contributing to such incidents include failure to yield, distracted driving, and speeding at intersections.
The Colorado Springs Police Department's Major Crash Team is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this accident.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Cyclists injured in motor vehicle crashes (2018) |
100,000 |
National Safety Council |
Percentage of crashes involving hit-and-run drivers |
11% |
General traffic safety data |
Common reasons for fleeing the scene |
Intoxication, unlicensed driving, fear of arrest |
Traffic safety analyses |
Data from reputable organizations like the National Safety Council and the Federal Highway Administration underscore the persistent dangers for cyclists, emphasizing the need for vigilant driving practices.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes and hit-and-runs, an independent investigation can provide critical clarity beyond initial police investigations.
"In cases where another's negligence results in another person's injury, the victim may be entitled to compensation via a personal injury lawsuit," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national legal analyst for Newsline.
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on hit-and-run incidents:
- Victims may pursue claims for medical expenses, future care, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Hit-and-run drivers often attempt to evade responsibility, but leaving the scene constitutes a serious offense.
- Consulting an attorney early can help navigate the complexities of injury claims and ensure rights are protected.
"After an accident, an attorney can be a resource and provide guidance and compassion," noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. "The stress and worry following a serious injury can be overwhelming, disrupting all aspects of life, including family, work, finances, and overall quality of life. Although no amount of money can make up for a devastating injury, it is important that a victim is made aware of their rights and what they are entitled to by law."
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has experience with fatal bicycle accidents. She offers free consultations to those in need of legal guidance.
(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).