The Desert IndependentTM

Serving Blythe, California & the Desert Regions of the Southwest

Caldera Hit on Bike, Dies

June 26, 2011

BLYTHE, Calif – On June 24 at about 8:30 p.m. Blythe Police received multiple calls of a bicyclist being hit by a car in the 1400 block of W. Hobsonway. Sgt. Jeff Wade and Officer Joey Ley arrived two minutes after receiving the call and found 74 year old David Sandoval Caldera in the roadway next to his bike. Caldera was not breathing and C.P.R. was started by Sgt. Wade and Officer Ley.

Blythe Ambulance, City of Blythe Fire Department, and Riverside County Fire arrived and assumed treatment of Caldera.

While the investigation is still on-going preliminary findings indicate that Caldera was riding his bicycle eastbound in the 1400 block of W. Hobsonway. Caldera was riding in the lane of traffic and did not have any lights or reflectors on his bike. A 1999 Ford Expedition, being driven by 65 year old Nancy Sue Pollak of Blythe, was also traveling eastbound in the 1400 block of W. Hobsonway. Pollak did not see Caldera and struck the bicycle from behind. Caldera was thrown from his bicycle receiving major injuries.

Caldera was taken by Blythe Ambulance to Palo Verde Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

The Blythe Police Department is asking that anyone who was in the area that night and saw the accident please contact the Police Department at 760 922-6111. Information can be given anonymously by calling 921-CARE, (921-2273), or by E-Mail at blythepd@cityofblythe.ca.gov.

Anyone with information about this or any criminal activity is urged to contact the Blythe Police Department at (760) 922-6111. Information can be given anonymously by calling (760) 921-CARE.