Lake Elsinore Man Pleads Not Guilty To Manslaughter Charge

A Lake Elsinore man suspected of hitting a bicyclist on Grand Avenue with his truck and causing fatal injuries has pleaded not guilty to DUI manslaughter charges, according to court records.

Jay Dustin Sorrell, 40, entered his plea Friday morning.

Sorrell is accused in the death of 38-year-old Lucia Ruano-- also of Lake Elsinore-- who on June 30 was riding her Schwinn 10-speed bicycle southbound on the west shoulder of Grand Avenue when she was struck at approximately 8:35 a.m.

The incident occurred just north of Corydon Street, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Nathan Baer.

"Jay Sorrell was determined to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage," Baer said in a press release announcing the arrest.

"Jay Sorrell allowed his truck to drift onto the right shoulder and the front of the truck struck the bicyclist," Baer continued. "Sorrell applied his brakes and stopped the truck.  The bicyclist sustained major injuries.  The bicyclist was transported to the Inland Valley Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries."

Sorrell was taken to Southwest Detention Center in French Valley and booked on felony charges of gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI, according to jail records. Records also indicated he posted $75,000 bail that same day and was released.

Following his Aug. 23 arraignment, Sorrell was taken into custody again and is now being held on $1 million bail, according to the jail records.

Court records indicate Sorrell is a repeat DUI offender.

According to the records, at the time of the June 30 crash Sorrell had no proof of insurance and he was driving on a suspended license. During the Aug. 23 arraignment, he also pleaded not guilty to those charges.

Sorrell is due back in court on Sept. 24.