Search Continues For Cyclist Who Injured 4-Year-Old Girl

HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- The search continues in Howard County for a cyclist accused of running into a little girl and taking off from the scene.

Rick Ritter was the first reporter to speak to the girl's parents and has the latest on the investigation.

Police want to speak with that cyclist.

The little girl is now in a full body cast for the next six weeks---a tragic mishap that has Howard County residents on the lookout.

Nearly a week later, Kayleigh Davidson is no longer a typical four-year-old.

"That's when I have the broken leg," she said.

Confined to her bed, she can barely move.

Meanwhile, the search continues for the cyclist accused of slamming into her.

"What goes through someone's mind when they run over a four-year-old and think their best option is to ride away?" said her father, Jamie Davidson.

Monday afternoon, a family day at Lake Elkhorn turned to chaos for the Davidsons. Kayleigh and her mom were walking along a path when a cyclist approached them from behind. He rang his bell to let them know he was coming but ended up colliding with Kayleigh.

"He stopped for a brief second, looked back and then took off," said her mom, Amy Davidson.

Kayleigh's left with a broken femur and a full body cast.

The news quickly spread across social media and has become the talk of Howard County.

"I was horrified. I was very sad. I'm a grandmother," said Debi Curtin.

Everyone is on the lookout for a 20-30 year old male who possibly rides around the area often and may have a red race suit and red bike.

"He didn't even know what happened to that child," said Nancy Krantz, who was hit by a bike herself on the same path just six years ago.

"The biker and his bike landed on top of me," she said.

Now she's calling for action.

"I think Columbia Association needs to do something about this," she said. "Maybe a speed limit to how fast bikes can go or they shouldn't be on that path at all."

Before a senseless tragedy like this happens again.

Columbia Association released a statement saying, "We are horrified by the injuries suffered by the four-year-old girl after a bicyclist collided with her at Lake Elkhorn on Monday. Our thoughts go out to her and her family as we all hope for a speedy and full recovery. Columbia Association remains in contact with the child's family, as well as with the Howard County Police Department as it investigates the collision.

"CA continues to widen many of its pathways to 10 feet on its most heavily used sections to allow for an easier passing width and to meet national standards. CA is also going to add more signage on its pathway system about using them courteously. The pathway system is for the enjoyment of all, but that also means that those who are using the pathways should do so safely and share them with an abundance of courtesy. While the majority of people are safe and courteous, we remind those moving at higher speeds - whether on foot or on bicycle - to be even more aware of their surroundings and to yield to those around them."

Bike Maryland says cyclists should not be traveling that fast at the park. If cyclists want to go fast, they should be using roadways.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for anyone with information that leads to the cyclist.