Court hearing for driver in most recent bicycle hit and run

On Friday, June 29th, professional cyclist Michael Torckler was severely  injured when he was hit head-on by a car driven by Arthur Ben Yu. Torckler was descending on Pine Flat Road, when Yu, driving uphill, crossed the center line and collided with Torckler. Yu fled the scene.

Thankfully, Yu's passenger, and another person in the area attended to Torckler, who was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial hospital with massive head injuries and a concussion. The most recent report in The Press Democrat said Torckler's condition was improving and that, remarkably, he didn't have any serious injuries below the head. Memorial Hospital on Sunday, July 1, upgraded Torckler's condition to fair, and his parents told The Press Democrat their son's condition was "better than expected."

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, July 3rd, Arthur Ben Yu appeared in court, where the Sonoma County District Attorney charged with with 4 felony counts:

• Stealing a car

• Possession of a stolen car

• Reckless driving resulting in great bodily injury

• Hit-and-run resulting in great bodily injury

He was also charged with driving with a suspended licence, a misdemeanor.

Furthermore, the DA's office is investigating, based on witness reports, whether Yu was driving under the influence.

Yu's case was assigned to the Public Defender's office. He is being held without bail, and will appear in courtroom 9 on Tuesday, July 9th at 8:30 a.m. for arraignment and a bail hearing.