MENTONE – A New York bicyclist was hit by a car and flown to Parkview Regional Medical Center Hospital, Fort Wayne, Sunday night. Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department deputies and emergency personnel responded Sunday at 10:03 p.m. to the area of Ind. 19 and CR 600S after a report of a bicyclist being struck. Officers and first responders located a male subject, identified as Dung Nguyen, 45, Astoria, N.Y., off the east side of the roadway, suffering from multiple injuries. Nguyen was immediately transported by medics to a landing area in Mentone, where he was airlifted to Parkview. Kosciusko County Fatal Alcohol Crash Team members stated that a preliminary investigation into the crash determined that Nguyen was riding his bicycle northbound on Ind. 19 near the intersection of CR 600S. A white 2001 Mercury, driven by Michael D. Julian, 51, Akron, Ohio, also was headed northbound on Ind. 19, approaching Nguyen from behind. Julian stated that he did not see the bicyclist until the very last minute, prior to impact with Nguyen. Investigating deputies noted that Nguyen did have an operational front light on the bicycle, but the rear light was not activated. Reconstructionists also noted that reflectors on the rear of the bicycle were covered and obstructed by objects that Nguyen had attached to the frame. Nguyen was listed in critical condition this morning, according to sheriff’s deputies. The crash currently remains under investigation by the Kosciusko County FACT.
