Valentine, Neb. — An Arkansas man has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run mishap that claimed the life of a Council Bluffs cyclist participating in the Tour de Nebraska last weekend.
Adam Earl Joe Cooper, 35, is charged with felony motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene of an accident, according to Cherry County Attorney Eric Scott.
Cooper is accused of striking Larry Covalciuc, 82, while Covalciuc was riding in the bike tour, then leaving the scene, according to the Cherry County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred Saturday morning, June 29, on U-S Highway 20 near Valentine. Covalciuc was found dead in a ditch on the north shoulder of Highway 20.
Cooper is charged with motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene of an accident, both of which are felonies.
Grant, Hooker, Arthur and Cherry County Sheriff’s Offices, along with the Nebraska State Patrol, assisted in the crash response and investigation.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office reported Cooper was stopped at mile marker 153 and was arrested.
