DUI suspect arrested after bicyclist killed in hit-and-run crash near Clovis

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A bicyclist has died after a hit-and-run crash involving a suspected drunk driver near Clovis on Wednesday night.

It was just before 7 pm when 33-year-old Peter Binz of Clovis was riding his bicycle westbound along Herndon Avenue, just east of Clovis.

Investigators say Jonathan Petty was driving in the same direction and was under the influence when he hit Binz, just west of Langley Avenue.

"Due to that driver's impairment, he failed to negotiate a straight path and veered right into the back of that poor innocent bicyclist," California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Salas said.

Binz was thrown from his bike and later pronounced dead.

The California Highway Patrol says Petty took off from the crash site.

"The driver after hitting this bicyclist decided not to call 911, not to stop and get out and render aid, but rather he chose to drive away from the scene straight to his house which was a short distance away," Officer Salas said.

According to the Fresno County Arrest Log, Petty was taken into custody at a home on North Locan near Paul, about a mile and a half away from where Binz was killed.

Authorities say a family member at the home called 911 to report the crash and Petty's whereabouts.

"I'm sure it was a hard phone call to make, it's a loved one, but it is the right thing and we commend that family member for doing that, for making that positive decision," Salas said.

Wednesday night, Petty was booked into jail for DUI and felony hit and run.

Court records show he has a previous DUI conviction in August of 2022.

He pleaded no contest to driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of .08% or more.

He was ordered to attend an alcohol program and was sentenced to three years probation.

"This individual knew what he was doing, had a prior dui arrest and, again, just poor choices which lead to an unfortunate fatality," Officer Salas said.

A GoFundMe page set up by a family friend shows Petty was involved in a crash near Pine Flat Lake on New Year's Eve 2022 and was severely injured when his pickup plunged off a cliff.

The California Highway Patrol confirmed the crash happened and said DUI was not suspected as a factor.

The family of Jonathan Petty issued the following statement related to the deadly crash and arrest, writing:

"As the parents of our adult son who was involved in a hit-and-run accident resulting in the tragic loss of a life, we are devastated and heartbroken.

Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the victim, and we extend our deepest sympathies for their loss. We cannot imagine the pain and suffering that the victim's family is going through, and we understand that nothing we say or do can change what has happened. However, we do hope our son takes full responsibility for his actions and works towards making amends for the harm he caused.

We want to express our sincere apologies to everyone affected by this incident. We are aware that our son's actions were irresponsible and reckless, and we are struggling to come to terms with the consequence of his actions. We also urge everyone to remember that our son is human with his own struggles and challenges. We are for compassion and understanding during this difficult time for our family. We are cooperating fully with the authorities and will do everything we can to help bring closure and justice to everyone involved."

Petty is being held on $82,000 bail.

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