Tesla driver identified after alleged hit-and-run

The California Highway Patrol arrested a Mill Valley man driving a Tesla on suspicion of a deliberate hit-and-run of a bicyclist Saturday.

John Donovan, 41, was arrested following the collision on state Highway 1 north of Panoramic Highway west of Mill Valley around 11 a.m.

Saturday, CHP Officer Andrew Barclay said.

The bicyclist, Jonathan Kibera, 38, of Mill Valley, and Alex Boal, 38, of Corte Madera, were riding their bicycles south on Highway 1 when a group of vehicles began passing them, Barclay said.

Boal allegedly raised his middle finger when one of the vehicles honked at him. The last vehicle that passed, a Tesla, then pulled in front of the bicyclists and slowed down to prevent them from passing, Barclay said.

The Tesla driver appeared to try to impede the bicycles and eventually quickly applied the car’s brakes, causing Kibera to collide with the rear of the Tesla, according to Barclay.

Kibera was ejected from the bike and the Tesla driver sped away.

However, the bicyclists and other witnesses were able to get the Tesla’s license plate number and provide it to police, Barclay said.

CHP officers identified Donovan as the registered owner of the Tesla and they encountered the vehicle while en route to Donovan’s residence, Barclay said.

After questioning, Donovan was arrested and booked into Marin County Jail on suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing injury, Barclay said.