SF Cyclist Charged With Manslaughter

Chris Bucchere, 36, hit a 71-year old woman in a crosswalk while on his bicycle.

A bicycle rider's "need for speed" resulted in a deadly bicycle collision -- and in felony manslaugher charges, according to reports.

District Attorney George Gascón on Thursday charged Chris Bucchere, 36, with felony manslaughter for the March 29 death of Sutchi Hui, 71, according to the San Francisco Appeal online newspaper.

Bucchere allegedly sped through a pedestrian-filled intersection at Market and Castro streets despite a red light, striking Hui, who was crossing legally, according to reports. Hui later died from injuries.

In charging Bucchere with a felony, Gascón cited witnesses' reports that Bucchere was attempting to break a speed record on a route from Marin to San Francisco, and that Bucchere had ran red lights and stop signs while on Divisadero Street before the deadly crash, the newspaper reported.

Bucchere is also in trouble for comments written on a cycling message board under his name.

"The light turned yellow as I approached the intersection, but I was already way too committed to stop," the post stated.

He also allegedly wrote that the main lesson of the crash was to always wear a helmet.

Bucchere is expected to surrender to police by the end of the week and be arraigned on the charge early next week, according to the district attorney's office. He faces a maximum six-year sentence if convicted.

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
Contact Us