Local
Suspect In Hit-And-Run Case Pleads Not Guilty
By Rosana Clarkson
Aug 29, 2010 - 4:07:26 PM

SAN FRANCISCO —On August 20, a suspect in a hit-and-run case has pleaded not guilty to striking and killing a cyclist in San Francisco.

The alleged incident occurred when Nils Linke, a 21-year-old tourist from Germany, had been traveling south on his bicycle on Masonic Avenue at Turk Street at approximately 10:40 p.m. The driver , 36-year-old Joshua Calder, was also traveling south when he allegedly struck and killed Linke.  Calder is accused of fleeing the scene, and of being intoxicated during the accident.

Witnesses described Calder's vehicle as an older-model Mercedes-Benz, and police were able to apprehend the suspect approximately two blocks from the scene.  Calder is facing hit and run charges in addition to the charges of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence of alcohol.

"Calder pleaded not guilty and his next hearing is set for October 1 in Department 9,"  Assistant District Attorney, of the San Francisco District Attorney's Office , Seth Steward, told San Francisco News.  "He made the $500,000 bail prior to the hearing.  The judge placed some conditions on his release."