Last night at about 7pm, community members called into our Dispatch Center reporting a collision they had witnessed on North Texas Street near Wisconsin Street. Officers responded and located the collision. Sadly, a 53-year-old bicyclist from Fairfield died of his injuries in the collision. The bicyclist’s identity will not be released at this time.
Officers quickly discovered the driver of the vehicle had fled the scene, and with the assistance of the witnesses began efforts to locate him. Traffic Investigators were called in to take over the investigation as officers began to canvas the area looking for the Nissan SUV involved. Officers and Dispatchers combed through the City’s camera system and located the collision on video, identifying the vehicle involved. Officers and Dispatchers worked from there and linked the cameras to our Flock Safety License Plate Reader camera system and located a license plate for the vehicle. Personnel continued to work further back and were able to get footage of the driver, allowing us to identify him.
Traffic Investigators then authored a search warrant for the driver’s residence and an arrest warrant for him. Shortly after midnight, the driver Nadhir Ghuzi, 31-years-old from Fairfield was taken into custody at his residence in the 1600 block of Glenmore Drive. The involved vehicle was located in the garage and taken as evidence. From the investigation, alcohol impairment and speed are believed to be a factor.
Ghuzi was booked into the county jail for murder, driving under the influence (DUI) and violating his probation. He was on probation for a prior DUI conviction. Investigators are still processing evidence and gaining more facts about this unfortunate incident.
It goes without saying, don’t drive impaired. Lives are at stake. The holiday season is upon us and festive events will be in full swing. Make sure you have a designated driver, taxi or other driving service. This simple decision will save lives.
