Driver Allegedly Flees on Foot After Crash Near Hiouchi
A vehicle collision prompted a search for one of the individuals involved Sunday.
The initial accident took place around 1:30 in the afternoon yesterday. It all began when, according to the California Highway Patrol, a Ford sedan was traveling on the southbound side of Highway 299. The vehicle was reportedly driving at high rates of speed south of Hiouchi.
It was at this time that the Ford allegedly swerved onto the other side of the freeway and into oncoming traffic. The vehicle crashed into a a Toyota Camry being driven down the correct side of the freeway. The northbound vehicle crashed into a tree along the road, and the Ford also spun out of control.
Everyone involved was apparently utilizing seat belts at the time of the collision, mitigating the bodily damage that was sustained. The two occupants of the Camry had to be treated for minor injuries at nearby Sutter Coast Hospital. The driver of the other vehicle reportedly did not stick around. He instead allegedly took off into Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park on foot. The United States National Parks Service and California State Parks service joined with the CHP in locating the individual.
Rangers found the man just after 3 pm. He was reportedly hoping to get medical attention from campers in the area. He was taken to Sutter Coast with minor injuries.
The CHP is investigating the incident.
