Cyclist accused of killing pedestrian facing charges

SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco police are preparing to make an arrest in the death of a man hit by a bicyclist last month at the corner of Market and Castro. Police say Chris Bucchere was going too fast on his bike when he hit and killed a 71-year-old man who was lawfully in the crosswalk.

"A person who did something wrong should also pay for it," Anna Chao said.

Chao is Sutchi Hui's niece. Hui was killed March 29 after being hit by a cyclist while crossing the street at Market and Castro streets. Police intend to arrest the man responsible for her uncle's death.

"I'm sure they'll do whatever they think is appropriate and of course again as I said, it's very sad something like this would happen to a nice person like my uncle," Chao said.

Chao runs the Chinatown travel agency which her uncle started three decades ago. His empty desk is a sad and constant reminder of the fatal accident.

Police say Hui was crossing Castro, walking east when the light turned green. They say bicyclist Chris Bucchere crossed Market Street heading toward the 71-year-old when the light was yellow. The collision took place in the middle of the street.

An Internet posting from Bucchere's email shortly after the accident implied that it was a crowded crosswalk and that he plowed through it at the least populated place he could find. But police looked at a security video reportedly taken from the Twin Peaks Tavern. A reliable source tells ABC7 that it shows Bucchere going at a good clip, hitting Hui straight on and that the crosswalk had few pedestrians at the time.

"There's certainly allot of evidence in this case that leads to provide us to believe not only there was negligence but probably the negligence involved in this case was reckless," San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon said.

Gascon says he will prosecute Bucchere. The only question is whether to charge him with a misdemeanor or felony vehicular manslaughter, which could carry a 16 month sentence upon conviction.

Capt. Denis O'Leary told ABC7 that police are recommending filing felony charges.

"We're seeking a warrant for the bicyclist's arrest for felony vehicular manslaughter," he said.

Police say Bucchere has been cooperative and has given a statement.

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george gascon, castro, crash, bikes, pedestrian struck, san francisco news, vic lee

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