Alleged Drunk Driver Charged With Murder in Death of Clovis Bicyclist

Jonathan Paul Petty is facing murder and three other felony charges in the death of a 33-year-old Clovis bicyclist on Wednesday evening.

Jonathan Paul Petty faces a murder charge in the death of a Clovis bicyclist. (Fresno County SO)

Petty, 36, allegedly crashed into Peter Binz on Herndon Avenue and fled the scene in a Ram 1500 pickup. Binz was pronounced dead at the scene east of Locan Avenue.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Petty was driving drunk when the fatal accident occurred. Officers arrested him at his residence after receiving a phone tip.

“Due to Mr. Petty’s level of intoxication, he allowed the Ram to veer to the right as he approached the bicyclist. The front of Ram struck the bicyclist, ejecting him onto the roadway,” the CHP said in a news release.

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The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release on Friday that Petty, also a Clovis resident, has a previous conviction for drunken driving. That conviction stemmed from a vehicle collision involving Petty on Dec. 15, 2022.

If convicted on the murder charge, Petty faces a term of 15 years to life in state prison.

As of Friday, he remained in county jail with bail totaling $82,000. His arraignment is scheduled for Monday.