Police searching for driver who hit bicyclist in Palm Desert, drove off

Police are searching for a man responsible for hitting a bicyclist in Palm Desert this morning and driving off.

The hit and run happened at around 11 a.m. this morning when a 23-year-old Palm Desert woman was riding her bicycle on the sidewalk of San Pablo Ave. A man driving a Jeep Rubicon pulled out of the Palm Desert Civic Center and failed to stop before turning onto San Pablo. The Jeep hit the woman and drove off toward Magnesia Falls before turning east on Portola.

The womanreceivedminor injuries and was taken to a local hospital before being released.

CHP searched for the Jeep Rubicon using a fixed wing aircraft, but failed to locate the vehicle. The Jeep may have minor damage to the left bumper, grill or hood, and is white with a black roof.

Anyone who may have witnessed this collision or who may have information on the suspect or vehicle are asked to contact Motor Officer Frank Avila at the Palm Desert Police Department: 760 836-1600.