Arraignment Friday For Driver Alleged To Have Killed Chicago Bicyclist Bobby Cann

Ryne San Hamel, left, and Bobby Cann, right
Courtesy NBC 5 Chicago

Please note that the time of the arraignment has changed from 9:30 to 9:00 a.m.

Ryne San Hamel, the driver who allegedly struck and killed Chicago bicyclist, Bobby Cann, will be arraigned this Friday, August 2nd.  Members of the bicycle community are being strongly encouraged to turn out in a show of support at what will likely be a brief but important hearing.

"This is the [hearing] in which a judge will be assigned and a large visible presence of Bobby's supporters will make a strong first impression.  If you have not been trained as a [courtroom] advocate you may still appear as a member of the public," said Jason Jenkins, Crash Support Program Manager for the Active Transportation Alliance in a recent post on The Chainlink website.

San Hamel was formally indicted on July 16th.  At an indictment, a grand jury determines whether enough evidence exists for a defendant to be formally charged with a crime.  Guilt or innocent is not determined at an indictment hearing.  Generally, at an arraignment the charges are read to the defendant in court who then offers a plea.  This Friday's hearing will be the first at which a judge will be assigned to San Hamel's case. The charges against him include, "felony aggravated driving under the influence involving a death and reckless homicide," according to NBC Chicago's website.  Allegedly, "San Hamel failed a sobriety test, had an blood alcohol content of .127, and was going 50 mph-- 20 mph over the area's speed limit," the website said.

The arraignment will occur at 9:00 a.m. at the Cook County Courthouse at 26th and California, Room 101. Persons interested in attending are encouraged to show up by 8:30 a.m.  Cell phones are not permitted inside the building.