MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – A Middletown man was arrested for driving under the influence following a Sunday evening crash that seriously injured him and a teenage driver.
Joshua Ferrell, 31, was taken into custody after he attempted to flee the scene of the crash, which also involved a vehicle driven by Cole Jensen, 17, of Middletown, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office.
The CHP said that at 5:30 p.m. Sunday Ferrell was driving his 1992 Toyota pickup westbound on Highway 175, east of Socrates Mine Road, as Jensen was traveling eastbound in his 2006 Nissan Altima.
Due to Ferrell's level of intoxication, he lost control of his vehicle and allowed it to cross over the solid double yellow lines and enter into the eastbound lane of Highway 175, colliding head-on with Jensen’s Nissan, the CHP said.
Ferrell, who was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the collision, sustained major injuries, as did Jensen, who the CHP said was wearing his seatbelt.
The CHP said that, following the wreck, Ferrell fled the scene on foot prior to CHP’s arrival. When CHP officers got to the scene, they were told that Ferrell walked away from the crash.
Officers checked in the last known direction and Ferrell was located hiding in the bushes nearby. Once located, Ferrell attempted to flee on foot and CHP officers gave chase, apprehending him after a short distance, the CHP said.
The CHP said Ferrell was then placed under arrest for suspicion of felony DUI and fleeing the scene of an injury collision.
Jensen was flown via Reach air ambulance to Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa for further treatment, the CHP said.
The CHP said Ferrell was released from custody due to his need for medical treatment, and was transported via Reach air ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.
DUI driver arrested following injury Middletown wreck
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