LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A Clearlake man was arrested early Wednesday after police said he hit and killed a pedestrian while driving under the influence of alcohol.
The crash, which occurred just before 1 a.m. Wednesday, claimed the life of 43-year-old Clearlake resident James Torrey Jr., according to the Clearlake Police Department.
Police identified the driver in the crash as James Nielsen, 27.
The agency said that at approximately 1 a.m. Clearlake Police officers responded to Highway 53 just north of Dam Road for a report of a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.
Upon arrival, officers found the collision involved a Toyota Tacoma occupied by one person, later identified as Nielsen, and Torrey, the pedestrian.
Torrey sustained major injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene, while Nielsen sustained minor injuries, police said.
As a result of the investigation and based upon probable cause, officers arrested Nielsen on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and vehicular manslaughter.
He was booked into the Lake County Jail and released later on Wednesday, according to jail records.
A portion of Highway 53 was closed until just after 6:30 a.m. Wednesday as the investigation took place.
Police ask anyone who witnessed the crash to contact Det. Trevor Franklin by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 707-994-8251.