COOPER TOWNSHIP, MI — Five bicyclists have died and at least four more have been injured after being hit by a pickup truck north of Kalamazoo.

The bicyclists were struck by a blue Chevrolet pickup truck just after 6:30 p.m. in the 5500 block of North Westnedge Avenue, near Markin Glen County Park, in a hit-and-run crash.

The driver was found a short distance away by police officers and is in custody, Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting said at an 11 p.m. press conference at Kalamazoo Township Hall. 

The driver is a 50-year-old man from West Michigan. He has since been identified as Charles E. Pickett. He has been charged with four counts of reckless driving, causing serious impairment.

The five bicyclists were pronounced dead at the scene. 

The group of nine bicyclists were adults and were riding in an organized group together.

Bronson Methodist Hospital is treating two injured cyclists, spokeswoman Carolyn Wyllie said. 

Two other patients are being treated at Borgess Medical Center, with one person in critical condition and the other in fair condition, spokesman Lew Tysman said.

Paul Selden, director of road safety with the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club, said that he was familiar with the group of bicyclists who were struck by Pickett.

“What I have seen of these riders in the past and the way (they) organize the rides, they always were led in a safe manner,” Selden said, adding that the group generally rides on the right side of the road and rides single file in traffic.

Selden said this is the most tragic bicycle accident he can think of in his history in the area.

“I think this is one of the worst, if not the worst, bicycling-motorist accidents in the county,” Selden said.