Billings Man Denies Charge in Fatal Crash

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A 22-year-old Billings man has pleaded not guilty to charges that he struck and killed a motorcyclist near Laurel earlier this month.

The Billings Gazette reports Tanner Jean Reichert pleaded not guilty Monday to vehicular homicide while under the influence in the June 9 death of 40-year-old Daniel Oltrogge of Billings. Reichert faces an alternative charge of negligent homicide.

He also pleaded not guilty to failure to remain at the scene of a crash and tampering with evidence.

Court records say Oltrogge was struck from behind and pushed nearly 250 feet. He died at the scene.

District Judge G. Todd Baugh lowered Reichert's bail from $100,000 to $50,000 after a public defender said he had no significant criminal history and extensive support in the community.