Bicyclist fleeing argument struck by passing vehicle

Historic City News was informed by the Florida Highway Patrol that yesterday morning, a verbal confrontation between a bicyclist and a pedestrian, led to a motor vehicle crash — leaving the bicyclist hospitalized in critical condition.

At about 10:09 a.m. Saturday morning, 24-year-old Kyle N. Hurta, who resides on Evernia Street in Saint Augustine, got into an argument with 45-year-old Matthew Henry Hoskins, whose last known address was on Maple Grove Church Road in Matthews, NC.

The verbal confrontation occurred along the west side of US-1 near the Hess Station at Lewis Point Road. It continued with Hoskins, who was on foot, chasing after Hurta, who was trying to flee on his bicycle; heading north.

As Hoskins gave chase, Hurta rode his bike into the southbound lanes of US-1, where he was struck by a 2009 Nissan Versa. Hurta was flown by air ambulance to UF Health Jacksonville to be treated for his injuries.

The Nissan, driven by 21-year-old Julie Olivia Prince, who resides on San Jose Road in St Augustine, sustained about $3,000 in damages, according to the crash report. The driver was uninjured.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the collision, although the investigation is continuing and the Florida Highway Patrol has informed Historic City News that charges are pending.