News Summary
A 22-year-old man from Los Angeles County has been arrested for attempted murder after intentionally striking a bicyclist in Fullerton. The incident has raised serious concerns about road safety. The bicyclist, Jesse Costello, was injured but released after treatment. Police are continuing to investigate any prior conflicts between the two individuals and are urging witnesses to come forward. Community members are calling for increased safety measures in response to this shocking event.
Fullerton Man Arrested for Attempted Murder After Striking Bicyclist
In an alarming turn of events, a 22-year-old man from Los Angeles County, identified as Christian Diaz, was taken into custody on Wednesday. The police believe he intentionally struck a 31-year-old bicyclist, Jesse Costello, with his vehicle in Fullerton. This incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising serious questions about road safety and driver behavior.
What Happened?
The incident took place on July 22 around 1:30 p.m. at the busy intersection of Harbor Boulevard and Orangethorpe Avenue. Jesse Costello was making his way home from work on his bicycle when he suddenly found himself in the path of Diaz’s car. According to reports, the crash was not an accident. A thorough investigation revealed that it was, in fact, a violent act.
Surveillance Evidence
Authorities reviewed surveillance video footage that captured the incident in detail. The recordings show Christian Diaz driving a red Dodge Challenger. In a shocking moment, he makes a U-turn and drives on the wrong side of the road, directly colliding with Costello. The impact was so severe that it sent the bicyclist flying through the air, raising immediate concern for his safety.
The Aftermath
Following the crash, Diaz fled the scene, leaving Jesse Costello lying on the ground and in considerable pain. Emergency services quickly arrived and transported Costello to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, he was later released with manageable injuries that included bruised ribs and a swollen knee. While it’s a relief that he was not more seriously hurt, the situation has sparked outrage among locals who are alarmed at the blatant disregard for safety on the roads.
Ongoing Investigation
Fast forward to July 30, and the police successfully identified Christian Diaz as the suspect. He was arrested and booked into the Fullerton City Jail on suspicion of attempted murder. This incident is still under investigation, with police urging anyone who may have information to step forward. Those with tips can contact Fullerton Police Detective N. Valdes directly or submit anonymous tips through the Orange County Crime Stoppers.
A Concerning Background
Interestingly, there are reports suggesting that this might not have been the first conflict between Diaz and Costello. In a concerning revelation, it appears that Costello had previously interacted with Diaz’s vehicle before the incident. Allegedly, Costello had tapped Diaz’s car bumper to grab his attention at a red light, where he was flirting with a woman. It raises questions about whether Diaz had been targeting Costello prior to this violent encounter.
Community Reaction
The Costello family, particularly Lori Costello, has expressed a deep concern for Jesse’s well-being. They are calling for justice, emphasizing the need for heightened safety measures to prevent such dangerous incidents from happening in the future. This event serves as a stark reminder to us all about the importance of road safety—not only for drivers but also for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
Conclusion
The skies over Fullerton are a little darker today following these unsettling events. As the community processes this shocking story, conversations about road safety and responsible driving are surely at the forefront of many minds. With the ongoing investigation, residents are hopeful that justice will be served, and measures will be put in place to ensure that such a dangerous act does not occur again. Stay safe out there, Fullerton!
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KTLA: Hit-and-Run Suspect Arrested
- Fox LA: Fullerton Bicycle Wrong Way Crash Caught on Camera
- Fox LA: Driver Accused of Intentionally Crashing into Cyclist
- OC Register: Woman with Bike Struck by 2 Vehicles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
