Visalia, CA – On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Visalia Police arrested 33-year-old suspect James Hand in relation to a hit-and-run collision that resulted in a 53-year-old male bicyclist losing his life, according to KSEE.
The Visalia Police Department reports that the accident took place on the night of Saturday, May 3, 2025, around 9:45 PM near Akers Street, just south of Judy Avenue.
Police say the victim, a 53-year-old man whose identity has not yet been publicly released, was riding a bicycle southbound when he was struck by a vehicle that failed to stop at the scene. Responding officers found the man lying on the roadway beside his bicycle. He was transported by emergency personnel to Kaweah Health Hospital, where he died from his injuries the following morning, Sunday, May 4.
Following the fatal collision, investigators began a search for the vehicle involved and, on Monday, released surveillance images of a suspected 2018–2020 white Ford F-150 pickup truck. The release of those images generated numerous tips from the public. Acting on those leads, officers from the department’s motor unit traced the vehicle to the city of Delano in Kern County.
On Tuesday, May 6, police located the suspect vehicle in Delano and arrested Hand in connection with the fatal crash. He was taken into custody in Visalia and is expected to face charges related to the hit-and-run collision that caused the bicyclist’s death. Authorities have not yet announced the specific charges or whether additional legal action will be pursued as the investigation continues.
The Visalia Police Department has not released further details about Hand’s arrest or whether impairment or distraction may have been factors in the crash.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
Bicycle Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards bicyclists, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for bicyclists with whom they share the road and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a bicycle accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
Should the at-fault driver avoid legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine the best options in such cases.
