A car versus bicycle accident claimed the life of Stafford resident James Jerome Searle Wednesday afternoon west of Stafford on old highway 50.
Searle, 71 was riding his bicycle east on old highway 50 when he was struck from behind by a 2008 Buick Enclave SUV driven by Lawrence L. Curtis, 81, of Stafford. The accident occurred in the 700 block of old Highway 50 approximately 100 feet west of Stafford city limits.
Curtis initially left the scene of the accident, but returned approximately 10 minutes after the call came in to Stafford County dispatchers.
Kansas Highway Patrol Lieutenant Stephen Billinger said it would be up to Stafford County Attorney Joe Shepack whether Curtis would be charged with anything as a result of the accident.
Curtis was not injured in the accident, but the SUV he was driving sustained damage to the right fender, hood, and windshield of the vehicle.
Searle was taken to Minnis Chapel in Stafford.
