Hit-and-Run Driver Convicted for Hitting New Zealand Professional Cyclist

A motorist has been convicted of several felonies in connection with a hit and run involving a top-ranking professional bicyclist visiting the Santa Rosa area from New Zealand.

Cyclist Michael Torckler suffered multiple facial fractures and other injuries and was hospitalized for 12 days before returning to New Zealand, after he was hit in Alexander Valley, according to a new release from Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch.

Ravitch announced Tuesday that Arthur Yu, 37, of Santa Rosa, was convicted Monday of all criminal charges against him—felony hit and run causing injury, felony reckless driving causing injury, felony auto theft with a prior conviction, 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, according to Ravitch.

Ravitch said: "We’re grateful for Mr. Torckler’s ongoing recovery from this potentially deadly crash. Sonoma County drivers must remain alert on the roadways for others, including bicyclists and pedestrians. And drivers must hear this simple message that if the worst occurs, pull over, call for help, and render assistance. We will not tolerate drivers leaving those whom they’ve injured, for dead, on the side of the road."

On June 29, 2012, Yu was driving a 1996 Honda Accord he’d stolen from his father, according to Ravitch, when he crossed into the opposite lane on Pine Flat Road and struck Torckler. 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.

The New Zealand Herald newspaper reported that Torckler, 25, suffered 20 fractures to his face. He was riding for Pure Black Racing and was in the Santa Rosa area practising on his own. The paper reported Torckler's parents flew to California and that the team members were also at the bicyclist's side at the hospital.