The driver of a vehicle that killed a bicyclist on Uvas Road in
Morgan Hill, could be charged with manslaughter in the near future,
according to California Highway Patrol Officer Chris Armstrong.
The driver of a vehicle that killed a bicyclist on Uvas Road in Morgan Hill, could be charged with manslaughter in the near future, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Chris Armstrong.
Rita Campos, 60, of Morgan Hill, was found to be at fault in the accident in which Bruce Finch, 58, a Gilroy resident, died. The CHP recommended the charge of manslaughter without gross negligence, a misdemeanor, to the District Attorney’s office which will review the case, Armstrong said.
As of press time, the case had not yet been dropped off at the D.A.’s office, according to D.A. spokeswoman Amy Cornell. Armstrong said the investigation report would be available through the D.A.’s office when it is on file there.
The accident occurred at the intersection of Uvas and Little Uvas roads Oct. 5, 2008. Finch was riding his bicycle south on Uvas Road about 9:45 a.m. when he struck the front left side of Campos’ 1997 Honda which was traveling east on Little Uvas Road, according to police. Finch was ejected from his bike and pronounced dead when paramedics arrived at the scene.
Campos stayed at the scene of the accident, and gave Finch pillows and blankets to try to stabilize him. She told the Times last year that she could not tell if Finch was still alive before paramedics arrived. She could not be contacted by press time to comment on the CHP’s investigation.
Witnesses gave police conflicting statements about what happened, and Armstrong said that complicated the investigation. He said the officer who was in charge of the investigation had to do extra research and followup interviews with witnesses.
After his death, Finch was described by friends and fellow cyclists as an experienced road biker.
Some, citing past responses to the deaths of cyclists and pedestrians on the roads, were skeptical that the CHP would investigate the accident when it happened. San Jose resident Sharon Sam, who worked with Finch at ITT Corp. in Morgan Hill and rode bicycles with him frequently, said she is glad the CHP thoroughly investigated the incident.
“Knowing Bruce and the way we rode together, I knew he was an experienced guy,” Sam said. “It was hard for me to accept that he would crash into an unmoving car.”
She added that she hopes more motorists will be educated on how to safely share the road as a result of the accident. “I think cyclists are viewed as people who are in the way, but it’s not true,” Sam said.
Another Bay Area cyclist, Bobbie Morrison, said though the public “regularly” hears about cyclists and pedestrians killed by motorists, it is rare to hear about the results of followup investigations. She said she is pleased the CHP is taking this accident seriously.
“I don’t wish (Campos) any harm, but until drivers realize they have to pay attention carefully, things like this will continue,” said Morrison, who did not know Finch.
Another of Finch’s co-workers and cycling companions said via e-mail that Finch has been missed the last four months. “We truly miss Bruce at work, both as a very likable guy and also as a very brilliant and respected engineer,” said Charlie Wilson of Willow Glen.
If the D.A. decides to follow the CHP’s recommendation and charge Campos, the case will proceed to Santa Clara County Superior Court. Because the charge of manslaughter without gross negligence is a misdemeanor, Campos’ punishment, if she is charged and found guilty, would be less harsh than if she were accused of a felony.
