Motorcyclist Arrested For Reckless Driving, Vehicular Manslaughter
Andrew Bennett booking photo
SALINAS — Police have arrested 28-year-old Andrew Lynn Bennett on a number of charges, notably vehicular manslaughter, for his role in the death of 17-year-old Gabriela Baes on Tuesday morning.
Gabriela Baes
On the morning of Tuesday, October 25th, Gabriela was crossing North Main near the Northridge Shopping Center with her cousin when she was hit by a Suzuki motorcycle driven by Bennett. Witnesses stated that Bennett was traveling at a high rate of speed when he ran a red light and collided with Gabriela, knocking her to the ground so forcefully that she struck her head on the pavement.
She was transported to the Natividad Medical Center but pronounced dead upon arrival.
Bennett, who fell off the motorcycle, got up and tried to walk away but was detained by citizens until police arrived. He was transported to the medical center for treatment for numerous bumps and bruises, as well as a possible concussion.
This was Bennett’s second run-in with Salinas Police after arriving from Oregon. His car was impounded the week before after he was caught driving recklessly.
On Thursday, Bennett faced a judge for the first time to answer for charges of vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run resulting in death, unlicensed driving, reckless driving, reckless driving causing injury, and no insurance at the scene of the collision.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges and will be back in court on November 16th.
