CHP Report for the week of 11/27/19
The following incidents are submitted by the Quincy Area California Highway Patrol as a tentative summary pending the conclusion of the investigation(s).
Ambulance wreck, Nov. 16
According to the California Highway Patrol, at approximately 6:05 a.m., Reno resident Nicholas D. Martin, was driving his 2017 Toyota RAV4 northbound on U.S. 395, just north of Pozolin Road, at a speed of 65 mph.
At the same time, Seth Greenwood was driving a 1998 Emon Fire Engine for Sierra Valley Fire Department, just after leaving an un-related traffic collision. He was traveling on U.S. 395 in the far right lane approaching Pozolin Road at a speed of 55 mph.
Martin allowed his vehicle to drift into the path of the approaching fire engine. Greenwood turned the fire engine abruptly to the right to avoid a collision with Martin’s car. Greenwood was able to avoid a collision with Martin’s vehicle, but struck the wood and metal guardrail causing minor damage to the fire engine.
Martin continued to drive northbound on U.S. 395, failing to stop at the collision that he had just caused.
Byron Williams was driving a 2013 Ford F550 Ambulance for Eastern Plumas Health Care. He was transporting the injured driver from the same collision scene that Sierra Valley Fire Department had just left.
Williams was driving the ambulance southbound on U.S. 395 at a speed of 55 mph. The ambulance for Eastern Plumas Health Care was approximately 1/2 mile to the rear of the fire truck. Martin again allowed his vehicle to cross the painted double yellow lines directly into the path of the oncoming ambulance. Williams abruptly turned the ambulance to the right to avoid a collision, but was unable to do so. The ambulance was side swiped by Martin’s Toyota.
The sideswipe caused the ambulance to slide sideways and come to rest blocking the far-right lane of U.S. 395. Martin’s vehicle continued northbound in the southbound lanes and came to rest on the embankment on the west shoulder of U.S. 395.
While being interviewed by law enforcement officers, it was determined that Martin had been operating his vehicle while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. Martin was subsequently placed under arrest by the California Highway Patrol for 23153(a) VC (driving under the influence) (felony) and various other charges.
Martin was transported and booked into the Lassen County Jail. No ambulance or fire personnel sustained injuries as a result of the traffic collision.
Mr. Alejandro, an off-duty Herlong Police Department sergeant, was being transported from the first collision and sustained minor injuries as a result of the second collision.
Medical emergency, Nov. 19
At about 4:27 p.m., David Turner, 63, of Loyalton, was driving his 1993 Chevrolet pickup southbound on Main Street, north of Alleghany Street. His rate of speed was 25 mph.
Turner sustained an unknown medical emergency and lost control of his vehicle. The truck drifted off the east road edge. The front of the Chevrolet struck two commercial buildings. Life-saving efforts were attempted on scene by Eastern Plumas Ambulance, Loyalton Volunteer Fire and Portola CHP personnel.
The driver was transported by ambulance to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada, where he was pronounced deceased. Next of kin notification was made by Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.
Icy roadway, Nov. 22
At about 10:15 a.m., Roderick Twain, 77, of Clear Creek, was driving his Ford F250 eastbound on Highway 36, west of the Snowmobile Park at a stated speed of 50 mph.
Jessica Compton, 35, of Westwood, was driving her Toyota Tundra westbound on Highway 36, west of the Snowmobile Park, at a stated speed of 35-40 mph. She was transporting a minor passenger.
Due to the icy roadway conditions, coupled with his unsafe speed for the road conditions, Twain lost control of his vehicle and slid into the eastbound traffic lane. Compton observed him “fishtailing” into her lane. She attempted to turn to the right, but was unable to avoid a collision.
Fortunately, her passenger did not receive any injuries. He was properly secured in his child safety seat in the right rear of the Toyota Tundra. Good job mom!
The CHP would like to remind you that it is the season for icy roadway conditions in the mountainous areas, even when it’s sunny! Be sure to slow down, buckle up and never drink and drive.