Bicyclist Identified In Deadly Beaumont Crash, DUI Suspected

BEAUMONT, CA — A drunk pickup truck driver hit and killed a bicyclist in the Beaumont area, before "temporarily" fleeing the scene, the California Highway Patrol reports. The deadly incident happened Sunday evening, near the intersection of Oak Valley Parkway and Palmer Avenue.

CHP officials say the crash happened around 5:50 p.m. Sunday. It was originally reported as a hit-and-run, but officials tell Patch the driver ended up returning to the scene.

The victim, identified as Dale Ramquist of Banning, was headed eastbound in the paved bike lane on Oak Valley on his Eddy Merckx San Marcos bicycle when he was hit, according to the CHP.

"Mr. Ramquist was riding during the hours of darkness and had proper safety equipment (helmet, lighting)," the CHP said in a news release.

Meanwhile, a man in a Ford F-150 was also headed east on Oak Valley after having allegedly been drinking alcohol. He was identified by the CHP as Kyle Lee Anson of Beaumont.

"Due to Mr. Anson’s level of intoxication, he allowed his vehicle to drift to the right, and collided with Mr. Ramquist on his bicycle," the CHP said. "Mr. Ramquist was ejected from his bicycle, and sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision."

Anson then allegedly fled the scene. A witness called 911, and emergency personnel responded.

"At approximately [7:22 p.m.] hours, Mr. Anson returned to the scene, and accepted responsibility for the collision," the CHP said.

Anson, 25, was arrested on suspicion of murder, hit-and-run and DUI, jail booking records show.

The CHP is investigating the crash.

— Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone