Friday, March 4, 2016 | 8:52 a.m.
TUCSON, Ariz. — A pickup truck slammed into a group of 10 bicyclists waiting at a red light in southern Arizona, killing two riders from two states and leading to the driver's arrest, authorities said.
Three other bicyclists were injured in the crash Thursday afternoon in Tucson, including one critically, the Pima County sheriff's office said. The others had minor injuries.
The cyclists were waiting in a bike lane when Brian Lynch, 28, of Tucson, barreled into them, the sheriff's office said.
He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and faces various manslaughter and aggravated assault charges. Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Inglett said he didn't know if Lynch had a lawyer yet.
Clare Rhodes, 72, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, died at the scene, and Kenneth Vieira, 68, of Tucson, died at a hospital, officials said.
David Gunter told the Arizona Daily Star that most of the group was part of Santa Fe Seniors on Bikes. The group's website said one member was killed but didn't identify the victim.
Members of the group "planned to visit Tucson. Most of the riders are retired and travel to warmer places to ride in the winter months," said Gunter, a Santa Fe cyclist.
The truck belongs to Scott Roofing Co., which issued a statement late Thursday saying its prayers were with the victims' families.
"Scott Roofing Company joins with the entire Tucson community in mourning the loss of those who were killed and injured," the company said. "We are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities as they continue to investigate today's tragedy."
The company did not immediately respond Friday to a message about Lynch's employment status.
Lynch was scheduled to make an initial court appearance Friday, Inglett said.
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