Man riding to work on bicycle killed by street racing driver.
Source: News 10 ABC
Date: 2002/04/26
One man is in custody for his involvement in the death of a 44-year-old man Thursday morning. The victim was riding his bicycle on Folsom Boulevard in Rancho Cordova when he was struck by the suspect's car.
According to the California Highway Patrol, at around 9:50 Thursday morning a black Honda Accord and a gray Nissan 300Z were traveling side by side at high speed down Folsom Boulevard just east of Sunrise. The Nissan struck Thomas Phillip Burgess, who was bicycling to work, killing him instantly.
With with its roof caved in and Burgess' bicycle jammed beneath the front bumper, the Nissan stopped. Officers arrested the driver, 26-year-old Stephen Garoutte of Rancho Cordova, booking him for manslaughter and gross negligence.
Witnesses said the Honda fled the scene at high speed. The CHP is searching for the driver of that vehicle. The car is described as a black late model Honda Accord with chrome wheels and chrome can-type exhausts.
Police said Garoutte admitted that the drivers of the two cars were racing when the accident occurred.
Burgess was employed at Gold's Gym, which is not far from accident scene. Co-workers said he was well liked by colleagues and patrons of the gym alike. "We're really heartbroken, said Marcello Montagnino, who worked with Burgess. "I mean he's the best employee I had, to be honest with you. I had compliments everyday with his work and what he did here in the club."
The CHP is asking that anyone with information on the whereabouts of the Honda or its driver contact them immediately.
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