EL CAJON, Calif. (KGTV) - A man accused of a hit-and-run crash on Highway 57 in Ramona pleaded not guilty Thursday.
A judge set the bail at $1 million for Chase Richard.
Richard is accused of swerving into Michelle Scott and driving with her bicycle attached to his car for more than two miles during Tuesday’s crash.
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Witnesses said Richard ran red lights and stop signs before pulling into his driveway five miles from the scene.
In court Thursday, prosecutors said Richard removed the front hood and bumper and spray-painted the rear of his Ford Edge.
Investigators said Richard appeared to be making a run for it when they arrived. He had a large suitcase and backpack in a running vehicle when he was arrested.
Richard faces up to nine years in prison if convicted.
RELATED: Cyclist fighting for her life following Ramona hit-and-run
Scott remains on life support and her family says she is not expected to survive.
