Murder Charge Filed Against Beaumont Man In Bicyclist's Death

BANNING, CA — Murder, DUI gross vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run charges were filed Wednesday against a suspected drunken driver accused of fatally striking a bicyclist with his pickup in Beaumont, then fleeing the scene before eventually returning and allegedly taking the blame.

Kyle Lee Anson, 25, of Beaumont, is accused of hitting Banning resident Dale Ramquist with his Ford F-150 around 5:50 p.m. Sunday on Oak Valley Parkway, east of Palmer Avenue.

CHP officials say Anson was intoxicated and driving eastbound on Oak Valley, behind Ramquist, who was in a paved bike lane.

"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," CHP Commander Mike Alvarez said in a news release.

The cyclist was thrown from the bike, and died at the scene.

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.

The CHP said it was dark when the crash occurred, but that Ramquist was not only riding in the paved bike lane, but he had proper safety equipment, including a helmet and lighting.

Anson, who is being held in lieu of $1 million bail, was slated to make his initial court appearance Wednesday afternoon in Banning, but the hearing was postponed to Dec. 12.

— City News Service contributed to this report / Image via Shutterstock