LAKEPORT, Calif. – A teenager was flown to a trauma center after falling from the back of a pickup on Friday night, with the driver subsequently arrested.
The 15-year-old male from Kelseyville, whose name was not released, sustained major head trauma, according to a report from the California Highway Patrol.
The CHP said the incident occurred at 8 p.m. Friday on Todd Road Extension.
Barbara Sowash, 50, of Lakeport was driving a 1998 Dodge Dakota pickup westbound on Todd Road Extension at an undetermined speed, with the 15-year-old boy and another juvenile riding in the open bed of the pickup on the tailgate, the CHP said.
For reasons that the CHP said are yet to be determined, the male juvenile fell from the back of the pickup onto the dirt and gravel road, sustaining major injuries.
Medical personnel transported the teen to Sutter Lakeside Hospital. From there, the CHP said a REACH air ambulance took the boy to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland.
The CHP said Sowash was evaluated at the scene and arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and felony child endangerment.
Officer Ryan Erickson is investigating the crash, the CHP reported.
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Teenager injured after falling from pickup; driver arrested
- Elizabeth Larson
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