Santa Cruz Man in Wheelchair Hit by Suspected DUI Driver
LIVE OAK, Calif. (Sept. 13, 2022) — James Johnson, 69, of Santa Cruz, died Sunday in a Live Oak pedestrian accident while crossing Capitola Road in his motorized wheelchair.
The fatal, hit-and-run pedestrian accident occurred about 10 p.m. just west of 7th Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP officials responded to the scene and located the critically injured man in the roadway. They believe he was crossing the road in a southbound direction when an oncoming 1999 Mercedes Benz hit him, according to a report by East Bay Times.
Jessica Brooke Thompson Arrested Hit-and-run, DUI Charges
The driver was traveling westbound on Capitola Road at the time of the collision. Also, there are marked crosswalks in all directions at the intersection and it’s controlled by traffic lights. Paramedics and police responded and called for a helicopter ambulance to transport the injured man to Natividad Medical Center. Sadly, James Johnson died at the hospital a short time later, according to the Santa Cruz County Coroner’s Office.
Furthermore, police later located the abandoned Mercedes on a nearby street. They traced the vehicle to Jessica Brooke Thompson, 39, of Santa Cruz, and went to her home. She was arrested on suspicion of felony drunk driving, vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run.
Investigators continue to work on the case.
Johnson Attorneys Group does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Furthermore, Johnson Attorneys Group has no intention to represent any of the parties discussed. We hope this news information is timely and helpful. However, if you would like to contribute any information or have legal questions, please contact us as soon as possible. Our law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Source: CHP, Santa Cruz County Coroner, East Bay Times
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