Ventura, California — April 3, 2011
Police say a motorist hit a pedestrian with his vehicle on Sunday, then dragged him to his death before fleeing the scene.
The Ventura Police Department reports that pedestrian Ryan Tremearne, 24, originally from South Africa, was walking through an alley between Main Street and Poli Street, in the early morning hours on Sunday. A vehicle then approached, heading downhill, from the direction of Poli Street.
Investigators say Mr. Tremearne became entangled in the car’s undercarriage, and was dragged more than 50 feet. Police did not discover his body until roughly 6:40 a.m. near E.P. Foster Library, despite a phone call reporting a man down in the 500 block of Poli Street, shortly after 2:30 a.m.
A post-mortem examination suggests he died from blunt-force trauma.
Police have taken 36-year-old Ventura resident Robert Jack Bell into custody. Mr. Bell, who previously operated Top Hat Burger Palace, is suspected of leaving the scene of an accident and gross vehicular manslaughter with intoxication.
UPDATE: Police released Mr. Bell on Wednesday without filing charges, but the suspect is scheduled to return to a court room on May 11, 2011.
A memorial fund in Mr. Tremearne’s honor has been established through Facebook. Donations can be sent to Bruce and Maureen Tremearne, 1600 National Avenue in San Diego, California 92113.
UPDATE: Prosecutors in Ventura County have dropped the charge of manslaughter against Mr. Bell. But the defendant has pleaded not-guilty to a charge of hit and run.
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