Norwalk, CT — Authorities have identified the bicyclist who was struck and killed by an unmarked police vehicle in Norwalk as 68-year-old Manuel Bonilla-Gomez. The fatal accident which left a bicyclist killed occurred Monday evening at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Fairfield Avenue.
According to Connecticut State Police, the incident took place shortly after 6 p.m. when Norwalk Police Detective Andrew Roncinske, a 10-year veteran of the force, was responding to a call with his emergency lights activated. Roncinske, who was driving a Chevrolet Equinox, was traveling through the intersection on a green light when Bonilla-Gomez reportedly entered against a red light, resulting in the collision.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly and transported Bonilla-Gomez to Norwalk Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Following the accident, Detective Roncinske was placed on administrative leave, a standard protocol in such cases. Norwalk Police Chief James Walsh extended his condolences to the victim’s family and the department, stating, “I ask that we all keep the family of Manuel Bonilla-Gomez, Detective Roncinske, and all those affected by this tragic accident in our thoughts and prayers during these most difficult times.”
The Connecticut State Police have launched an investigation into the accident, seeking to determine further details surrounding the circumstances of the collision. Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Nicholas Olivetti at nicholas.olivetti@ct.gov.
This tragic incident has sparked discussions about road safety in Norwalk, particularly for cyclists navigating busy intersections. Local officials and community leaders are expected to address concerns surrounding bicycle infrastructure and traffic regulations in the coming weeks.
