Crime & Safety

Court Delayed Again For Man Accused in DUI Death

The attorney for Richard Michael Proger, accused of DUI manslaughter in the July 6, 2011, death of Richard "Dick" Johnson, could not attend a scheduled three-hour hearing Friday due to health reasons.

A scheduled hearing for a Menifee man accused of driving drunk and causing the death of a Murrieta man was postponed again Friday.

Richard Michael Proger, 40, who is out on $75,000 bail after pleading not guilty, appeared in court at the Southwest Justice Center for the scheduled three-hour preliminary hearing. However, Michael Francis, a representative of Proger's private defense attorney, Michael Severo, said Severo was having health issues and had asked for a continuance.

Judge Angel Bermudez agreed to reschedule the long-cause hearing—a precursor to a trial—for Feb. 24. Deputy District Attorney Edward Jensen also conceded.

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Friday was the hearing was postponed.

Proger is accused of DUI manslaughter in a deadly accident July 6 in Murrieta. Proger was allegedy headed east in the 38900 block of Clinton Keith Road, just before Bear Creek. Murrieta police said Proger's pickup truck crossed over into the westbound lane and collided head-on with the car being driven by Richard "Dick" Johnson, 84, of La Cresta. at Inland Valley Medical Center.

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While out on his own recognizance, Proger was ordered to wear an ankle bracelet that hourly monitors his blood alcohol content.

At Deputy District Attorney Chris Bouffard alleged Proger had a .19 blood alcohol content the night of the crash.

Toxicology reports ordered by the Murrieta Police Department also showed Proger allegedly had Vicodin in his system.

It was alleged he was traveling with a cooler of beer in his truck as well as a baggie of Vicodin.

Proger appeared in court Friday with his wife, Jennifer. The couple declined to speak with Patch.

A memorial ride for Johnson, is being coordinated by friends and family.


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