The crash happened around 4:05 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, at Daly Avenue and Wind Creek Boulevard.
Authorities identified the victim as 43-year-old Walter Lee Taylor III of Allentown. Police said Taylor was walking his bicycle across Daly Avenue in a marked crosswalk when he was struck.
Taylor was transported to St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, where he was pronounced dead at 6:11 p.m.
Police identified the driver as Gian C. Bajandas Correa, 24.
According to investigators, Bajandas Correa was traveling west on Daly Avenue when his vehicle collided with another vehicle before striking Taylor in the crosswalk. The driver of the second vehicle suffered a minor injury.
Police said witnesses reported seeing Bajandas Correa run from the crash scene toward the Minsi Trail Bridge. Officers located him on the bridge a short time later.
Investigators with the Bethlehem Police Department’s Major Accident Reconstruction Team determined that Bajandas Correa had allegedly been traveling at a high rate of speed on Lynn Avenue before turning onto Daly Avenue.
Police allege his vehicle crossed the double-yellow line to pass another vehicle before losing traction while making the turn. Traffic-camera footage reportedly showed the vehicle sliding sideways through the intersection, striking another vehicle and then Taylor.
During the investigation, Bajandas Correa allegedly acknowledged using his cellphone while driving and taking a controlled substance before getting behind the wheel.
Police obtained a search warrant for a blood draw, and those results remain pending. Authorities said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Bajandas Correa has been charged with homicide by vehicle, accidents involving death or personal injury, accidents involving damage to an attended vehicle or property, reckless driving and several traffic violations.
He was arraigned and bail was set at $250,000. He was then taken to Northampton County Prison.
The Bethlehem Police Department’s Major Accident Reconstruction Team and the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate the crash.
