Vallejo police clarify events from multi-car crash Tuesday

Feb. 09--More details have emerged concerning the multi-vehicle collision that happened Tuesday morning along Sonoma Boulevard.

Vallejo Police Department's Lieutenant Michael Nichelini described the event as two separate crashes that occurred within a short time of each other.

The first collision happened at approximately 8:20 a.m. at Sonoma Boulevard and Nebraska Street when a 2007 Ford Ranger driven by a GVRD employee was rear-ended as it was stopped at a red light by a 2000 Lexus LS400.

The driver of the Lexus, a 26-year-old Vallejo resident, fled the scene at an estimated 70 miles per hour southbound with his vehicle.

As the Lexus approached the intersection of Tennessee Street, the suspect was seen driving left of the double yellow center line to avoid traffic and proceeded through a red light.

At this time, a 2001 Ford Escape moving eastbound collided with the Lexus "with enough force to tear the Lexus in half," Lt. Nichelini said.

The front cab of the vehicle, still containing the 26-year-old and a passenger, continued moving southbound on Sonoma where it struck a 2008 Nissan Altima and a 2008 Dodge pickup that were breaking at the red light.

After arriving, emergency crews rushed to free the two men still in the Lexus and transported them to a local trauma center with non-life threatening injuries, explained Vallejo Fire Department Battalion Chief Cliff Campbell.

An additional patient was also transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

The other four people involved from both crashes had complaints of pain, but refused medical care.

Police said the driver of the Lexus was later determined to be a chronic user of methamphetamine and blood was taken to determine if he was under the influence of any drugs at the time of the collisions.

The driver also faces charges of hit and run, not having proper vehicle insurance and driving with a suspended license.

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