DUI suspected in fatal crash that killed bicyclist

On Friday, October 9, 2015, at 8:58 PM, officers were dispatched to the location reference a report of an injury traffic collision involving a bicyclist and a vehicle. Soon thereafter, officers arrived and located the bicyclist on the ground and suffering from major injuries.

The operator of the involved vehicle was also located nearby. The bicyclist was transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Through further investigation, officers learned the motorist, identified as Thelma Trachy, age 75 and a resident of the city of Murrieta, was driving her vehicle on Railroad Canyon Drive when it struck the bicyclist from behind. A preliminary assessment of Trachy at the scene revealed alcohol consumption may have been a contributing factor. Trachy was subsequently arrested and transported to the Southwest Detention Center.

The bicyclist, a 21 year old male and also a resident of the city of Murrieta, succumbed to his injuries. His identity is being withheld, pending notification of family members. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Dispatch personnel at (951) 776-1099 or Officer Roberge at the Lake Elsinore Police Department at (951) 776-1099.