Rumford Bicyclist Fatally Hit, Driver Charged with Manslaughter

A bicyclist is dead after being struck by a vehicle in Rumford, and the driver is now facing manslaughter and other charges.

The accident happened just before 11 o'clock on Thursday morning on U.S. Route 2, about 1 1/4 miles from McDonald's. Rumford Police say a woman was riding her bicycle when she was struck by a Honda Accord. She was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. The victim's name has been withheld pending notification of family.

37-year-old Alger M. Aleck of Mexico, Maine, who was driving the vehicle, was on the scene when police arrived. A court-ordered blood sample was taken at the scene, and Aleck has initially been charged with manslaughter and criminal operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs which caused a death. Additional charges may be added once the investigation is complete. Aleck was taken to the Oxford County Jail, where bail was set at $15,000.

"With temperatures on the rise and a holiday weekend approaching," Rumford Police Chief Tony Milligan said in a media release, "more and more pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles will be sharing the roads. Motorists should remain attentive and drive with due care to avoid further tragedies."

Rumford Police, including a K9 unit, were aided at the scene by the Rumford Fire Department, Maine State Police, Paris Police, MedCare Ambulance, Oxford County Sheriff's Office, Rumford Public Works, and the Maine DOT.