Bicycle Accident Suspect Released Pending Investigation

After conferring with the Hilo Prosecutors Office late Thursday afternoon, Dec. 7, 2017, the driver of the 2018 Nissan sedan involved in Wednesday’s traffic fatality, 26-year-old Dylen Benevides, was released from police custody pending further investigation.

He was initially arrested for Negligent Homicide.

The bicycle-vehicle accident occurred on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, at 5:59 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 19 and Hau Lane in Hilo.

The 70-year-old male bicyclist died at the scene.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash, or witnessed any bicyclists in the area of Highway 19 on Wednesday morning, Dec. 6, before 6 a.m., to call Officer Keith Nacis at (808) 961-2339.

This information was provided by the authorities. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.