Riverside man pleads not guilty to hit-and-run charges in the death of an Oceanside cyclist

A Riverside man accused of fatally attacking a cyclist in Oceanside on St. Patrick’s Day and then fleeing the scene pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge of hit-and-run resulting in death.

Christian Joshua Howard, 26, is accused of hitting 51-year-old Tracey Gross with his vehicle while she was biking in the area of ​​state Route 76 and Singh Way on March 17 around 11:30 p.m. Police said the suspect drove away after hitting Gross and dragged her bicycle about two miles away from where she was hit.

Gross died in a hospital the next day.

Howard was arrested Friday at his workplace in Corona in connection with the fatal crash, according to Oceanside police, who did not reveal how he was identified as a suspect.

He remained in custody on $225,000 bail as of Tuesday afternoon. When Howard undergoes a rescue operation, he is ordered by the court not to drive. He must appear in court again in July.

A GoFundMe page created by Gross’ family says she was a postal worker, mother of two and “a vibrant soul who touched the lives of many.”

The page reads: “She was hit by a car that callously fled the scene, leaving her seriously injured and eventually declared brain dead. Despite the heroic efforts of medical professionals, Tracey’s injuries were too severe to overcome. As an organ donor, Tracey’s legacy lives on through the selfless act of giving the gift of life to others in need.”

City News Service contributed to this article.