Cyclist left for dead after hit-and-run in Sugar Land

SUGAR LAND, TX (KTRK) -- A 71 year-old cyclist is fighting for his life, after he was struck by a driver on a Sugar Land street. The driver kept going, leaving Malcolm Thornton on the side of Commonwealth.

Police say a landscaping crew saw Thornton, and came to his aid, calling for help. There were apparently no witnesses, at least none who have come forward.

The force of the impact was enough to bend the frame of his high-end racing bike, and twist its rear wheel. At first, Thornton was thought to have a leg injury. He was dazed, but conscious after the incident. However, his condition has since deteriorated. He is now hospitalized at the Texas Medical Center, listed in critical condition.

Sugar Land Police spokesperson, Doug Adolph, said no security video has been found that shows the collision.

"We don't know what the reason or motive was," said Adolph. "We don't know if he was targeted."

What police do have are a couple of clues. A side mirror believed to be from the car that struck Thornton, and a piece of a plastic headlight cover. Both are believed to have come from a dark gray Hyundai car.

"We hope someone will recognize a car missing a side mirror, and some other damage," said Adolph.

At the Bike Route shop near Town Square, owner Cynthia McWhorter, said incidents like this send fear among cyclists. There's been cases of drivers targeting cyclists in Fort Bend County before, where people train for events like the MS 150 bike ride.

"That makes people scared to go out and ride,"said McWhorter. "To know you're not going to be safe, and that somebody kept on going and not stopping."

Anyone with information is asked to call Sugarland Police or Fort Bend Crimestoppers at 281-342-TIPS(8477).