DUNCAN, Okla. –
A Duncan police officer is on administrative leave after investigators say he struck and killed a bicyclist while off duty and left the scene.
Duncan Police Training Lt. Jarrod Bishop was booked into the Stephens County Jail on complaints of second-degree murder, leaving the scene of a fatal accident and obstructing an officer, according to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Department. Bishop later bonded out of jail.
The City of Duncan said Bishop was off duty at the time of the crash.
Investigators identified the victim as 40-year-old David Setayesh.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Setayesh was riding his bicycle along Highway 81 around 10 p.m. Thursday when Bishop allegedly drove onto the shoulder and struck him. Authorities said Bishop did not stop at the scene.
OHP is leading the investigation.
Family mourns David Setayesh
Setayesh’s family is now trying to come to terms with his death and the circumstances surrounding it.
His sister, Tiffiney Martin, said the hours since losing her brother have been difficult.
“It really hasn’t been easy,” Martin said.
Martin said Setayesh was her best friend growing up. The two were born exactly 365 days apart.
“We were Irish twins, literally 365 days apart,” she said.
Martin said birthdays will never be the same without her brother. Setayesh was also the father of a 16-year-old son.
His sister described him as a fierce protector who was known as “Super David.”
Martin said her family had never experienced a loss like this.
Sister says driver could have helped
Martin said she was devastated to learn the driver allegedly continued after striking her brother.
“He kept going. He didn’t stop,” she said. “And I don’t know why. He could have helped him.”
Martin said she later received a call that her brother was being taken to the hospital.
“I just sat there and cried, and I said, ‘This is the day I buried my brother,’” she said.
News 9 attempted to contact Bishop at his home, but no one answered the door.
When asked what she would say to Bishop, Martin said her family is also praying for him and his family.
“I’m going to pray for them,” she said. “I think, you know, they’re not the only family hurting right now. So our family is praying for them.”
Family remembers a father and protector
Martin said she wants people to remember her brother for his kindness and his ability to make others smile.
“Remember my brother by the kindness, like I said, and the ability to make people smile and happy,” she said.
Setayesh’s 16-year-old son is now preparing to bury his father, according to the family.
Friends of Setayesh have created a GoFundMe to help support his family.
The Duncan Police Department said Bishop remains on administrative leave.
Bishop involved in previous incident
Bishop was involved in a separate incident last year after video showed him choking a man during an OU football game.
At the time, the Duncan Police Department said it was aware of the incident and was investigating.
No charges have been filed against Bishop in connection with the football game incident. The complaints stemming from Thursday’s fatal crash also have not resulted in formal charges as of Friday.
Friends of Setayesh have created aGoFundMe to support his family as they cope with their loss.
This is a developing story.
