New Haven Bicyclist Struck, Killed By DUI Driver: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — A Hamden man is accused of driving under the influence when he struck and killed a bicyclist early Thursday morning in Hamden, according to police.

Police responded to the area of Dixwell Avenue and Collins Street around 1:15 a.m. on Sept. 17 on the report of an accident, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Police found that Ryan Bivens was driving south on Dixwell Avenue when his vehicle crossed the “double-yellow center lines, both northbound lanes and entered the shoulder, along the east curb” of Dixwell Avenue, according to Smith.

The front of his vehicle struck the rear of a bicycle that was traveling south in the shoulder of the roadway. The bicyclist, David Toles, 54, of New Haven, was ejected from the bicycle and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Smith.

After hitting Toles, Bivens’ vehicle continued south, striking and “snapping” two utility poles before eventually landing on its roof, according to Smith.

Bivens, 21, Westview Street in Hamden, was arrested and charged with negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, driving under the influence and failure to drive in proper lane. Bivens was held in lieu of a $50,000 bond and was arraigned at Meriden Superior Court on Thursday morning.