Dana Point : Bicyclist Hurt When Hit by Car; Driver Charged

A bicyclist was in fair condition in Saddleback Community Hospital’s intensive care unit Thursday after he was hit Wednesday night by a car driven by a man later arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, authorities said.

The bicyclist, James R. Burczewski, 18, of Laguna Niguel, was northbound on Coast Highway at Alcazar Drive in Dana Point when he was hit by a car driven by Lee A. Steele, 23, of Dana Point about 9:20 p.m., California Highway Patrol spokesman Ken Daily said.

A witness told investigating officer Ray San Miguel that he had seen Steele traveling north on Coast Highway when he heard a crash and saw the bicyclist thrown several feet in the air, Daily said. The bicyclist was apparently rear-ended, he said.

Burczewski suffered a concussion and lacerations, Daily said. His bicycle was not equipped with the necessary reflectors and lights, according to the report.