Pickup driver accused of driving drunk, hitting bicyclist

STERLING – A Sterling man accused of driving drunk and hitting a bicyclist early Thursday is facing three felony charges.

Matthew R. Crandall, 31, was arrested that day and posted 10 percent of his $25,000 bond. He is charged with two counts of failure to report an accident, the first punishable by 3 to 7 years in prison, and the second by 1 to 3 years; and aggravated DUI, punishable by 1 to 12 years for causing “great bodily harm.”

He also is charged with two misdemeanor DUI counts for having a blood-alcohol content greater than .08.

His preliminary hearing is April 11. He is represented by Sterling attorney Jim Mertes.

The bicyclist, Aaron T. Marruffo, 38, of Sterling, was in fair condition Tuesday at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.

Crandall was southbound on Galt Road near U.S. Route 30 around 1 a.m. Thursday when he struck Marruffo, Whiteside County Sheriff Kelly Wilhelmi said.

The accident is under investigation and no further details were available.