Bicyclist injured in alleged drunk driving crash

A suspected drunk driver allegedly crashed into a bicyclist in Newport Beach over the weekend.

William Darnall, a 23-year-old from Costa Mesa, fled the scene Sunday after striking the biker with his car at Newport Coast Drive and East Coast Highway about 3:15 p.m., according to police.

Witnesses followed Darnall to Pelican Hill Road and Via Burrone where police stopped him, said Newport Beach police spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella.

Traffic investigators are trying to determine an exact cause of the crash, but it appears Darnall had been drinking, according to police.

Police arrested Darnall on suspicion of driving under the influence and felony hit-and-run.

The bicyclist was taken to a local hospital with minor to moderate injuries, Manzella said.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck