Richfield man pleads not guilty in July 4 golf cart death

Last update: November 21, 2008 - 8:30 PM

A Richfield man pleaded not guilty this week to causing another man's death while driving a golf cart while he was drunk in Rice County over the summer.

Samuel T. Dalton, 47, is charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide in connection with the death of Randy Dean Ronquist, 42, of Faribault, who was a passenger on the golf cart, on July 4.

A criminal complaint alleges that Dalton told police that he had consumed 12 beers. A blood sample indicated a blood alcohol level of 0.25 percent, which is more than three times the legal limit allowed for drivers, the complaint says.

Dalton and Ronquist had left a fireworks display in rural Rice County with two other men in the cart, which had only two seats, the complaint says. Ronquist and another man were standing in the back of the cart. On the way back to a resort, Dalton turned and Ronquist fell off the back of the cart, striking his head on the road. He died at the scene.

Dalton was arraigned in Rice County District Court Thursday in Faribault.

JOY POWELL