Bicyclist James Larman killed Tuesday crossing Dawson Road

ALBANY — Halloween got off to a tragic start Tuesday afternoon when an Albany man was struck by a vehicle and killed while crossing Dawson Road on his bike.

According to Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler, 59-year-old James Larman died after accidentally turning into traffic on his bike.

“It looked like he just left the store,” Fowler said. “There were several items scattered about the scene when I got there. There was a fountain drink and some beer. From what we can tell, he had crossed the lane of traffic and for some reason turned back. If he hadn’t turned back, I think the car would have missed him.”

According to Fowler, the incident occurred around 4:23 p.m., and Larman was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:49 p.m.

The coroner said he did not think that alcohol played a part in the accident.

“He (Larman) did not smell of alcohol when I examined him,” Fowler said. “I don’t think that he had been drinking. It just looks like he, for whatever reason, turned back and turned right in front of a car.”

Reports indicate the accident occurred on the 1200 block of Dawson Road near the intersection of Lucille Street.

The driver of the car, a 2008 Pontiac G6, has been identified as Quatavious Offord, 26, of Albany, according to officials with the Albany Police Department. Offord will not face any charges in the accident.

“The driver of the vehicle involved was traveling east on Dawson Road when a white male on a bicycle, traveling north on Lucille Street, pulled out in front of the car,” APD spokeswoman Phyllis Banks said. “Vehicle No. 1 (a Huffy 10-speed bicycle) left the parking lot of the Shell Food Mart at 1200 Dawson Road and began traveling north on Lucille Street. Vehicle No. 1 ran the stop sign and entered Dawson Road into the path of vehicle No. 2 (a Pontiac G6). The male was struck and died on the scene. No charges will be filed against the driver.”