Crash on Highway 32 in Chico – Felony DUI & Multiple Injuries

Home » Crash on Highway 32 in Chico – Felony DUI & Multiple Injuries
December 03, 2021
Edward Smith

Two-Vehicle Crash on Highway 32

On Tuesday evening, November 30, 2021, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Chico Fire Department, and CAL FIRE of Butte County responded to a collision on Highway 32 in the vicinity of Meridian Road in Chico, California.

Details of the Highway 32 Incident

Tuesday night’s crash was reported at around 7:30 p.m. When first responders arrived at the scene, they found two vehicles, one of which was blocking Highway 32, and another that was just off the roadway. It appeared that excessive speed likely played a role in causing the crash, according to authorities. 

Initial investigation revealed that a black vehicle, which held only the driver, crashed into the rear of a white truck, which was carrying four occupants, one of whom was a minor. Everyone involved in the crash was transported to a local hospital. It was reported that none of the injuries were life-threatening.

Witness Statements Gathered

Further scene investigation uncovered additional details. The driver of the white pickup truck, a Mitsubishi, had stopped at a stop sign on southbound Meridian Road, and executed a right turn onto Highway 32, believing he had enough space to do so. At roughly the same time, a black 2005 Dodge Neon was traveling at a high speed. It passed another vehicle and crashed into the rear of the pickup, causing the truck, with its four occupants, to flip onto its side. 

Prior to the crash, the Dodge Neon had been seen speeding on Highway 32 and passing a number of vehicles, according to officials with the CHP. 

Extensive Scene Response

Good Samaritans immediately began assisting the involved parties in exiting their respective vehicles. When officials arrived, only one of the vehicle occupants remained inside a vehicle.

In addition to several citizen helpers and officers with the CHP, the crash scene was attended by crews from two fire engines and three ambulances. The investigation, evidence gathering, and clean-up necessitated that both the westbound and eastbound lanes of Highway 32 be closed for a period of time after the collision. 

One Arrest for Driving Under the Influence

Following the first reports of the crash, it was later reported by authorities that the driver of the Dodge Neon was arrested on charges of felony Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in relation to the collision. The felony charge was at least in part due to the fact that the crash caused injuries to others.

Watch the YouTube video. Action News Now posted the clip below with a report on this Highway 32 crash.

Personal Injury Attorneys in Chico, California

Hello, and thank you for visiting our legal blog. My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Chico personal injury attorney. The skilled injury lawyers at AutoAccident.com have been advocating for residents of Chico and nearby Northern California communities for decades. This recent accident highlights the dangers of drunk driving. We are in the middle of the holiday season when unfortunately, incidents of DUI increase. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to the actions of an impaired or otherwise negligent driver, please call our office for compassionate, free, and friendly advice. If appropriate, we can then set up a no-obligation consultation to go over more details of your potential case. Our phone number is (530) 392-9400. From outside the local area code, please use the toll-free line that we provide: (800) 404-5400.

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Photo by Jonnica Hill via Unsplash

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