[06-28-2024] Mendocino County, CA – One Person Hospitalized Following Two-Vehicle DUI Collision in Ukiah

One person was hospitalized following a two-vehicle DUI collision in Ukiah on Friday afternoon, June 28, 2024.

According to the Ukiah Police Department, the incident occurred shortly before 5:00 p.m. at the intersection of  East Perkins Street and South Orchard Avenue near a McDonald’s.

The crash involved a Toyota Tundra and a Toyota Corolla. UPD said that the Tundra’s driver, later identified as 59-year-old Jason H. from Virginia, was heading northbound on South Orchard Avenue at an unsafe speed and failed to stop at the intersection’s red light. This resulted in a crash with the Corolla that was turning right onto North Orchard Avenue from East Perkins Street.

The Tundra reportedly continued heading north after the collision, careening off the roadway before slamming into a fire hydrant. UPD said that the vehicle only came to rest after reaching the sidewalk and the planter area bordering a nearby McDonald’s parking lot.

Both vehicles sustained significant damage as a result of the incident. The driver of the Corolla, whose name, age, and gender were not disclosed, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Adventist Health Ukiah Valley for treatment. There is no word yet on the current condition of the victim.

Meanwhile, Jason H. and his female passenger were said to be uninjured. Officers suspect that Jason H. was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He was later put under arrest for felony DUI causing injury and was booked at the Mendocino County Jail.

The damaged fire hydrant flooded the intersection and the nearby McDonald’s driveway. Authorities used their vehicles to block the crash site while Ukiah city personnel shut off the hydrant and stopped the flooding.

No further information was immediately available. Police work is underway.