A preliminary exam by a psychiatrist indicated Cedric Beebe, of Oakmont, qualifies for exemption from further prosecution based on his mental competency.

Beebe appeared in Sonoma County Superior Court this morning but did not enter a plea to charges that include gross vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run and DUI.

He will return to court Nov. 10 for a bail review and further proceedings regarding his mental competency. Criminal proceedings against him could be suspended at that time, Deputy District Attorney Robert LaForge said.

Beebe was arrested after causing three vehicle crashes by driving southbound on northbound U.S. Highway 101 between Healdsburg and Windsor on Thursday night, the California Highway Patrol said.

Jessica Wong, 21, a passenger in a 2003 Toyota Camry, was critically injured when the car swerved off the road and hit a tree to avoid a collision with Beebe's 2006 Toyota Corolla around 11:30 p.m. She died the next day at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

Anne Buchanan, 27, of Berkeley, the driver of the Camry, suffered broken bones and lacerations. Sonoma County Sheriff's Deputy Don Fletcher suffered minor injuries when he swerved his patrol car into the center divide to avoid a collision with Beebe's car, the CHP said.

A third driver avoided injury when he swerved to avoid a collision with Beebe's car.

The CHP said Beebe was cooperative after the incident but did not realize he had caused any crashes.

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