San Diego

Man Accused of Hitting and Killing Homeless Man in Chula Vista Pleads Not Guilty

Nicholas Ramirez had two DUIs in 2009—in one incident, he slammed into four cars.

The man accused of hitting and killing a homeless man in Chula Vista pleaded not guilty in court Friday.

Nicholas Ramirez, 28, has previously been arrested for four DUIs. He is facing first degree murder charges and vehicular manslaughter charges for the death of 65-year old William Gerling.

The crash happened on Sunday, Dec. 4 at approximately 6:46 p.m. near the intersection of Orange and Third avenues.

According to the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD), Ramirez had been involved in two minor collisions in a parking lot of a bar. Witnesses reported that after someone confronted him, Ramirez drove off.

His vehicle jumped the curb and then crashed into a bus stop bench where Gerling had been resting.

Gerling suffered an amputated leg during the crash and was taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

“It’s actually very disheartening because obviously, you know, the first time he didn’t learn...he had the opportunity, 6-7 years ago to you know, get his life back on track," said Deputy District Attorney Cally Bright. 

Ramirez had two DUIs in 2009—in one incident, he slammed into four cars.

"To pick up two DUI’s with such high blood alcohol levels all within the same year—obviously there was some issues going on and it’s sad to me that he didn’t learn from that," Bright said. "And here we are, 7 years later and someone’s died as a result of his actions.”

His bail was set at $2 million and he is set to appear in court again on April 13, 2017.

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