SIKESTON -- Law enforcement officials are searching for another motorist who struck a man on his bike Wednesday evening in New Madrid.
"There's more to the accident than was reported," said Lt. Jim McNiell, commander of the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Troop E headquarters in Sikeston. "We need to locate another vehicle."
According to the Patrol, the fatal accident occurred at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Route U in the New Madrid city limits as Claude D. Minner, 43, of New Madrid was riding a bicycle in the center of the eastbound lane in rainy and foggy conditions when he was struck in the rear by an eastbound vehicle driven by Albert S. Purser, 50, of New Madrid.
"Apparently after Mr. Minner was struck by Mr. Purser and while lying in the center of the road, he was stuck by another vehicle," McNiell said.
According to witnesses, the second vehicle was "a dark-colored Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck with a straight bed headed eastbound," McNiell said, adding that the Patrol thinks the vehicle is locally owned.
Following the accident, Minner was transported by ambulance to Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston where he was pronounced dead at 8:03 p.m. An autopsy was conducted on Minner's body Thursday at Mineral Area Regional Medical Center in Farmington, but results were not available, McNiell said.
"What we're needing is more information," McNiell said. "The investigation continues, and anyone who has information should contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol or the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department."
To contact the Patrol, call (573) 840-9500 or 472-5201. To reach the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department, call (573) 748-2516.