Police search for driver in bicyclist hit-and-run

MARIETTA, Ga. — Investigators are searching for a hit-and-run driver who collided with a bicyclist Wednesday morning.

The victim, identified as Anthony Dixon, 49, was sent to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in critical condition.

Channel 2's Carl Willis talked to Dixon's friends and neighbors about what he was doing at 5 a.m. when a driver slammed into him from behind on Canton Road, just north of Piedmont Road, in Marietta, Ga.

"He rides his bicycle to work every single day, and it's kind of far from here," said neighbor Sandra Olensky. "He has to get up really early to do it, which means riding his bike in the dark.

Cobb County officer Bill Rogers said Dixon's bike was outfitted with flashing headlights, reflectors and a flashing red light on the seat.

Thursday, Cobb County Police Department's S.T.E.P. (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program) Unit returned to the scene to forensically map the area.

They told Willis nearby cameras helped them narrow the suspect vehicle down to an older model black Honda.

"It's going to have damage on the right passenger side," said Rogers. "With the height of the bicyclist and size of the car there should be some damage on the windshield."

With that kind of damage, Rogers said it's likely the car is not being driven, but he said that can be a clue in itself.

"If you know someone who has a vehicle like that and all of a sudden they aren't driving it, look for some type of evidence that you believe might be involved," he said.

Those who know Dixon said they are pulling for him to recover, and hoping the person responsible will come forward or be found.

"They need to be held responsible for what happened," said Olensky. "He's got a family, He's got a daughter and my heart goes out to both of them."

WSBTV