Cyclist killed in Bossier City, La.
 

Created: August 30, 2007 11:08 AM Modified: August 30, 2007 02:24 PM


A man has been arrested in connection with the death of a bicycle rider who was killed by a hit-and-run driver. The suspect's damaged truck was found in a field in East Texas, police said.

The arrest came after the local bicycle club offered a $1,000 reward for information about the case. The tipster who called police plans to give the reward money to the victim's family.

Bossier City police arrested James E. Thompson, 47, of the 6500 block of Barksdale Boulevard on Wednesday night. Thompson was booked on a charge of felony hit and run driving.

Police said Thompson's damaged pickup was found in a field in Chandler, Texas, west of Tyler.

Police said Thompson told them he left the scene of the accident because he was scared. He said he had not been drinking that night, police said.

David Scott Joiner, 41, of Kirby Smith Drive was killed early Saturday as he rode his bike in the 4300 block of Barksdale Boulevard. A passerby found him about 6 a.m., but police believe he was killed several hours earlier.

The tipster is eligible for a $1,000 offered by the Shreveport Bicycle Club. That person intends to give the reward money to the victim's family, Police Department spokesman Mark Natale said.

Joiner's family declined media interviews but released a statement: "The tragic death of our son has deeply saddened our family. However, the generosity of the anonymous tip donor, community, law enforcement and fire department have helped us immensely at this most difficult time."