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Second arrest made in hit-and-run death of York County bicyclist

Posted at 8:16 AM, Nov 15, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-15 08:17:24-05

YORK Co., Va. - Police have arrested a second person on suspicion that they were involved in the hit-and-run death of a York County bicyclist.

61-year-old Robert Lee Strickland was arrested Wednesday after 25-year-old Alexander Michael Crosby was arrested on November 9, according to law enforcement.

Related: Arrest made in hit-and-run death of York County bicyclist

Both are suspects in the hit-and-run incident that killed 50-year-old Brian L. Utne near the corner of Yorkville Road and Lakeside Drive around 7 p.m. on October 25.

Court documents show that Strickland was Crosby's employer at Heritage Gardens Tree and Lawn Care Service.

Police report that Crosby hit Utne while driving a work truck after leaving a nearby job site. Documents said Crosby left the scene then called his boss, Robert Strickland.

When the 61-year-old found out what happened, he said he "would take care of it," according to court filings. Documents state that the two then met later in the night to assess the truck's damage.

It was then that court records show Strickland had the vehicle towed away and repaired.

Strickland has been charged with misdemeanor accessory after the fact, misdemeanor obstruction of justice and felony concealing or compounding evidence (B).

Those who knew Utne told News 3 that he loved riding his bicycle. No matter what time of day or temperature, they said you could find him on the roads.

Related: Friends mourn 'selfless' bicyclist who died after hit-and-run in York County

"He was one of those guys where the weather didn't affect him as much. He's also one of those guys that would typically be putting in 40-50 mile bike rides nearly every day," said friend and President of the Peninsula Bicycling Association, Tregg Hartley.

Crosby has been charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, misdemeanor reckless driving and felony leaving the scene of a fatal accident. 

Crosby is being held at Henrico Jail East, while Strickland is being held at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.

Strickland will be in court for arraignment on Thursday.