A 40-year-old man accused of causing a major injury crash while speeding through San Jacinto and then fleeing the scene was charged Wednesday with hit-and-run resulting in great bodily injury.
Charles Edgar Bidinger III of San Jacinto surrendered to Riverside County Sheriff’s Department investigators Sunday.
Bidinger, who is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail at the Smith Correctional Facility, was slated to make his initial court appearance Wednesday afternoon at the Banning Justice Center.
According to sheriff’s Sgt. Christopher Loucks, at about 10 p.m. Saturday, the defendant was allegedly driving a blue Kia “at a high rate of speed eastbound on the Ramona Expressway” when he began going around slower traffic, periodically steering into the westbound lane.
“While the driver was attempting to pass a silver Chevrolet, the two vehicles collided, pushing the Chevrolet off the roadway, where it overturned,” Loucks said.
He alleged Bidinger never slowed down, continuing eastbound.
The victim at the wheel of the Chevy, whose identity was not disclosed, suffered extensive injuries and was hospitalized in critical condition, according to the sergeant.
The party was in stable condition Tuesday.
“The San Jacinto sheriff’s station would like to thank members of the public who provided statements to investigators after this collision occurred,” Loucks said. “Their assistance helped to identify Bidinger.”
The defendant appeared at the station Sunday morning and was questioned by detectives, after which he was booked into the Banning jail.
Court records show that he has a misdemeanor conviction from 2008 for driving under the influence.