Man, 23, arrested in crash that killed motorcyclist

A Spokane solider set for deployment soon with the U.S. Army was arrested early Saturday after he admitted to drinking before a motorcyclist crashed into his car and died. Gerald S. Ramson, 23, faces a vehicular homicide charge for the crash at South Lincoln Street and West 3rd Avenue that killed Rashidi R. “Meech” Franklin, 35. Ramson’s girlfriend told police they stopped at the intersection while northbound on Lincoln before a driver eastbound on 3rd gave motioned for them to drive through. Ramson told police he’d had “a couple” of drinks and didn’t see the motorcyclist before he slammed into Ramson’s car. Police took a blood sample from Ramson but results are not yet available. Police said he smelled of intoxicants. Ramson was released from jail on his own recognizance and appeared in Superior Court Monday afternoon with his lawyer, Tim Note. He’s to be arraigned on July 12.