Walter Lee Taylor III of Allentown was walking his bicycle across Daly Avenue at Wind Creek Boulevard when he was struck around 4:05 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, according to Bethlehem police and Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio.
Taylor was taken to the emergency department at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, where he was pronounced dead at 6:11 p.m., Buglio said.
An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday to determine his cause of death.
Gian C. Bajandas Correa, 24, was charged following the fatal crash, according to police.
Investigators said Bajandas Correa was driving west on Daly Avenue when his vehicle collided with another car before striking Taylor in the crosswalk.
The driver of the other vehicle suffered a minor injury.
Witnesses told investigators that Bajandas Correa ran from the crash toward the Minsi Trail Bridge, police said. Officers found him on the bridge a short time later.
The Bethlehem Police Department’s Major Accident Reconstruction Team determined that Bajandas Correa had been driving at a high rate of speed on Lynn Avenue before turning onto Daly Avenue, according to police.
His vehicle crossed the double-yellow line to pass another vehicle and then lost traction while turning, investigators said.
City traffic-camera footage showed the vehicle speeding west on Daly Avenue and sliding sideways through the intersection, police said. It struck another vehicle traveling through the intersection before hitting Taylor.
During the investigation, Bajandas Correa acknowledged using his cellphone while driving and taking a controlled substance before getting behind the wheel, according to police.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood draw and were awaiting the results. Additional charges could be filed depending on those results and the continuing investigation.
Bajandas Correa was charged with homicide by vehicle, accidents involving death or personal injury, accidents involving damage to an attended vehicle or property, reckless driving, driving at a safe speed, traffic-signal violations, and failing to remain within a traffic lane.
He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Knisley, who set his bail at $250,000. Bajandas Correa was taken to Northampton County Prison.
The Bethlehem Police Department’s Major Accident Reconstruction Team and the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office are investigating.
Details about Walter Lee Taylor III’s life were not immediately available. His loved ones are invited to share information, memories or tributes, funeral or fundraiser details, and photos with Daily Voice by emailing [email protected].
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