CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — Highway Patrol released images of a vehicle and a person they believe might be connected to a hit and run that killed a cyclist in Caldwell County.
It happened on Thursday on US 221 in Caldwell County. State troopers said the minivan crossed the double yellow line on a curve and hit the victim head-on.
Ignacio Giraldo, 61, of Sunrise, Florida, was flown to Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee in critical condition and died Saturday.
Giraldo had been cycling with his daughter and two other people at the time, officials say.
Monday, Highway Patrol released images that were obtained after receiving a tip that the vehicle in question was at a Boone gas station.
State troopers were looking for a charcoal gray 2005-20010 Toyota Sienna minivan that is believed to have damage. Officials say the van will be missing a large piece of the right front bumper, has a significantly damaged windshield on the passenger side, and damage to the passenger side mirror.
The rear of the minivan has several stickers on it, including stickers of Batman, the YETI logo, and an athletic logo for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Officials say the possible suspect is a white male, 50-60 years of age, with a white or gray beard. He may be wearing glasses.
The NC State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to immediately contact the SHP Troop F Communications Center at 828-466-5500 or 911.
