Hit-and-run driver admits heroin use before fatally striking bicyclist

A bicyclist was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver, who later admitted to using heroin before getting behind the wheel near Cincinnati on Monday.

The victim, 61-year-old William Rust III, of Cincinnati, was riding his bike along the shoulder of U.S. 52 in Anderson Twp., just east of Cincinnati Monday afternoon, our news partner WCPO-TV reports.

A car, driven by Steven Sickle, 33, of Feesburg, Ohio, drifted off the road and hit Rust, throwing him from the bike, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office said in a media release. Deputies said Sickle fled the scene without stopping or attempting to help.

RELATED: Ohio officer overdoses after accidental contact with fentanyl on traffic stop

MORE: Suspect in Miami Co. fatal police chase said he used drugs during pursuit

Rust was pronounced dead at the scene.

Another person drove Sickle back to the scene of the crash, where he admitted to ingesting heroin before driving, WCPO-TV reports.

RELATED: Vast victims: Heroin damages the very young, old and even non-users

Sickle was charged with fleeing the scene of a deadly automobile crash, and aggravated vehicular homicide.

For updates and more news click here to download our free apps.

About the Author