Motorist Who Struck New Zealand Cyclist on Healdsburg Road Convicted Of All Charges

Arthur Yu, 37, of Santa Rosa, was convicted Monday in Sonoma County Superior Court of all criminal charges against him in an accident involving New Zealand pro cyclist Michael Torckler.

The crash occurred June 29 on Pine Flat Road in Healdsburg.

Yu pled no contest to and was convicted of felony hit and run causing injury, felony reckless driving causing injury, felony possession of a stolen vehicle, and misdemeanor driving on a suspended license. 

Yu, who also admitted having a prior strike conviction for a 2002 residential burglary, faces a maximum sentence of 10 years and four months, when he is sentenced by Judge Kenneth Gnoss on Nov. 27.

 “We’re grateful for Mr. Torckler’s ongoing recovery from this potentially deadly crash," said Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch. "Sonoma County drivers must remain alert on the roadways for others, including bicyclists and pedestrians."

Ravitch added that "," she said.
"We will not tolerate drivers leaving those whom they’ve injured, for dead, on the side of the road.”

On June 29, Yu was driving a 1996 Honda Accord he’d stolen from his father when he crossed into the opposite lane on Pine Flat Road and struck bicyclist Torckler, Ravitch said.

Yu stopped briefly, and his passenger, William Frasier, got out of the Honda to check on the victim. Yu then fled the scene leaving Frasier there.  Yu was arrested the following day.

Torckler, a professional fractures and other injuries and was hospitalized for 12 days before returning to New Zealand.

Deputy District Attorney Barbara Nanney handled the prosecution with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Greg Phillips.  Officer Thomas Barto handled the investigation on behalf of the California Highway Patrol.

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