Driver faces drunk-driving charge after car hits cyclists in Baldwin Hills

A driver has been booked on a charge of misdemeanor drunk driving after authorities said she ran into a group of bicyclists early Thursday morning in the Baldwin Hills area.

Christine Dahab, a 27-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was being held early Thursday in lieu of $15,000 bail, said Los Angeles police spokesman Richard French.

Officials said 11 bicyclists were injured, one critically, in the accident on Jefferson Boulevard at Rodeo Drive. Dahab allegedly drove into cyclists who were waiting for other members of their group to join them after stopping at a scenic overlook.

The cyclists are believed to be part of Midnight Ridazz, which organizes after-dark rides. Perhaps 100 cyclists were taking part in the ride when the accident occurred at about 1:50 a.m., according to reports from the scene.

There may have been mitigating factors, said reporters from KABC Channel 7 and KTLA Channel 5, who spoke with officers, victims and witnesses at the scene. Some of the cyclists may have been stopped in the road under a streetlight that was not operating, they said.

"This hits way close to home," said a post on the Midnight Ridazz message board. "Sounds like they were just stopped for a regroup. This is something we all do no matter what ride, group or hood. When on a group ride there are points where you find yourself pulled over to regroup, rehydrate, or to fix mechanicals. This is proof that it can happen anywhere at anytime."

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-- Howard Blume

Photo: A small crowd stands at the scene where officials said a car drove into a group of cyclists. Credit: KTLA-TV Channel 5