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Motorist enters not guilty plea in fatal hit-and-run

The 80-year-old Boyes Hot Springs motorist who has been charged with hitting and killing a 93-year-old man on an electric scooter, entered a not guilty plea Tuesday to three charges in Sonoma County Superior Court.

Joe Bick Kwai Lee has been charged with vehicle manslaughter with gross negligence, hit-and-run/death or injury, and driving while suspended.

The charges stem from a hit-and-run accident on Nov. 7, on Fifth Street West and Studley Street, where 93-year-old Alvin Hesse was crossing the street on his three-wheel scooter and was hit and killed.

Lee was later pulled over on Napa Road near Burndale when deputies spotted his vehicle with front-end damage consistent with the accident scene. Lee denied he had been in an accident, but told police that he recalled running over something near the crosswalk but assumed it was debris.

During the investigation, Sonoma police determined that the flashing lights and flashing sign were working at the time of the accident.

Lee is out on bail. His original $50,000 bail was increased to $75,000 and was posted. His next court appearance is set for Nov. 26.