Search for driver in GranFondo hit-and-run continues

<p>A hit-and-run SUV that struck a cyclist in the recent GranFondo ride was most likely a 1991-1994 Ford Explorer, the CHP said.</p><p>Tips continue to trickle in on the October 9 crime, but CHP investigators continued to ask anyone with information to contact them.</p><p>Officer Jon Sloat said investigators had narrowed the vehicle to an older model Explorer. Riders said the vehicle appeared to be maroon in color.</p><p>San Francisco rider Anoush Zebarjadian, 57, was on the return half of the 103-mile county ride when he was hit by a vehicle. </p><p>Other riders said they saw an SUV driver acting aggressively or erratically on Graton Road just before colliding with the rider. The rider was knocked off his bike and the driver continued on. </p><p>The CHP has said the investigation involved hit-and-run and assault because the driver may have acted intentionally.</p><p>Zebarjadian suffered head injuries and was in intensive care for several days at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. He was discharged from the hospital on Oct. 20. Whether he was transferred to a Bay Area hospital wasn't available.</p><p>The crash occurred at about 4 p.m. on Graton Road near Green Hill Road. </p><p>The GranFondo was the idea of professional bike racer and Santa Rosa resident Levi Leipheimer as a way to raise money for local charities and for local costs toward the Amgen Tour of California bike race. </p><p>Sloat asked anyone with information to contact CHP detective Michael Phennicie at 588-1400.</p>