A Salt Lake City man is now facing criminal charges after allegedly running a red light and fatally striking a young e-bike rider in Riverton last August.
Christian Harrison Beckner, 45, was charged Friday in Utah’s 3rd District Court with manslaughter — a second-degree felony — as well as infractions for speeding and running a red light.
Crash Details From Aug. 14
The deadly collision occurred on Aug. 14 at the intersection of 12600 South and 1300 West. When Riverton police arrived, medics were performing lifesaving measures on Owen Thomsen, 21, the e-bike rider who had been thrown from his bike. Thomsen was rushed to a nearby hospital but died shortly after arriving, according to charging documents.
Witnesses told police that Beckner’s Toyota RAV4 was traveling at high speed — described as “hauling” — as it headed west before running the red light and striking Thomsen as he entered the crosswalk.
Security footage from a nearby gas station confirmed that Thomsen’s pedestrian signal was fully illuminated when he began crossing.
Investigators later determined:
- The westbound light had been red for four seconds at the time of impact
- Beckner was driving 72 mph in a 50 mph zone moments before the crash
- His speed was still 62 mph at the moment he hit the e-bike
Beckner admitted he was “trying to catch a late red”, according to police.
Remembering Owen Thomsen
Thomsen was on his way to work when he was killed. His family described him as a man known for his resilience, compassion, and love of the outdoors.
According to his obituary, Thomsen survived a devastating motorcycle accident at age 19 that cost him his leg — but he fought his way back with grit and optimism. He loved football, proudly played quarterback in Bingham Youth Football, and was a devoted BYU football fan who attended games home and away.
His parents described him as “kind, loyal, responsible, and honest … a son we cherished every day of his nearly 22 years.”
For roadway safety information and traffic enforcement initiatives, visit the Utah Department of Public Safety.
