Mental evaluation for driver accused in retired SSU professor's cycling death

The criminal case against a Rohnert Park man accused of plowing into a retired Sonoma State University professor on his bicycle last June remains on hold, pending final determination of his mental condition.

Judge Gary Medvigy on Wednesday received a second full psychological evaluation conducted on the defendant, Robert Ernest Cowart. Its contents were not made public.

Prosecutors intend to subpoena Veterans Administration records for additional information about Cowart's condition, Assistant District Attorney Christine Cook said.

Cowart is charged with felony hit-and-run in the June 8 crash that mortally injured retired environmental studies professor Steve Norwick.

Cowart's defense has claimed he suffered a stroke at some point and may have had an aneurysm that impeded blood flow to his brain.

His prosecution has been suspended until a judge could resolve questions about his condition. Cowart, 68, is scheduled to return to court Nov. 28.