Montclair bike crash kills two, driver charged

A Montclair man faces felony charges after hitting a group of cyclists on Saturday night. Two people died in the crash on Kingsley Street and Tudor Avenue. Two others were hurt.

The accident happened during a Halloween ride involving about 30 bicyclists. Police said the driver hit the group and left the vehicle. He was found at his home nearby hours later.

Robert Umanzo, 25, was dragged for about a mile by the car. He died at the scene. The second victim died at the hospital. Police have not released the name of the second victim.

Valentin Alberto Rodriguez, 38, is from Montclair. He faces charges for DUI and causing injury or death. He is also charged with felony hit-and-run and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Cristina Flores attended a memorial near the crash site. She said the community is grieving. "It’s still hard to believe," Flores said. "More than anything, we feel for the family and the bike community, as well. We are all a big family."

Olivia Gonzales knew Umanzo. She described him as a good spirit. "(He was) full of love and dancing around and enjoying everyone’s vibe," Gonzales said. Flores noted that the driver did not stop to help or call police. "There has to be a change," she said.