A 22-year-old Marion County Sheriff’s Department deputy was placed on paid leave after he hit and killed a 63-year-old Gainesville cyclist with his patrol car early Wednesday morning.
Both the cyclist and the deputy were traveling east on State Road 200 at 3:19 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Marion County Sheriff’s Department was notified of the crash at 3:21 a.m. and arrived shortly after.
The cyclist was not wearing a helmet or reflective clothing, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Additionally, the area was dark with no street lighting and the cyclist’s bike did not have any lights. Cyclists are required under Florida Statutes to equip their bikes with lights and reflectors while riding at night.
Lt. Paul Bloom, Director of the Public Information Office for Marion County Sheriff’s Department, said the deputy was placed on paid leave.
Officers usually get placed on leave for one to two weeks, according to Bloom.
The names of the deputy and the cyclist have not yet been released.
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