Crime & Safety
Popular Bicycling SSU Professor Victim of Hit-and-Run Accident
Environmental studies professor emeritus Steve Norwick, 68, suffered "major injuries" in accident on Petaluma Hill Road when hit by a 68-year old Rohnert Park driver
The cyclist hit Friday morning on Petaluma Hill Road near East Railroad Ave. has been identified as Sonoma State University professor Steve Norwick, 68, according to reportage by the Press Democrat.
The bicyclist and at least one other cyclist from the SSU community was riding south on Petaluma Hill Rd. around 8:40 a.m. when he was struck from behind by a truck that drifted onto the right side of the road, California Highway Patrol Officer Kerri Post said.
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The bicyclist suffered major injuries and did not regain consciousness at the scene before being transported to the intensive care unit of Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, according to the Press Democrat.
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Norwick, who joined the faculty at SSU in 1974, was a well-known, popular figure around campus, where he nearly always rode his bike, school personnel said.
He took early retirement in 2005, but continued teaching and lecturing part-time and is teaching a course through the School of Extended Education this summer, university spokeswoman Susan Kashak said.
“Steve is the sweetest man. He always has a ‘hello’ for everyone and waves as he's riding his bike around,” Kashak said.
Robert Cowart, 68, of Rohnert Park was being questioned Friday night and will be jailed on charges of felony hit-and-run, according to the report. Cowart told CHP he "knew he hit somebody and he was late for work. He needed to get to work.”
Bay City News to contributed this report
