A hit-and-run incident on Friday, September 27, 2024, along SR-36 in Plumas County led to the arrest of a Chico man.
At around 10:37 a.m., Walter Cheechov of Davis was driving eastbound in his 2011 Chevrolet 3500, with his passenger Diane Sires, near the Pacific Crest Trail. Meanwhile, Matthew Hust of Chico, driving a 2016 Ram 3500 westbound with his passenger Mario Navalandin, crossed over the solid double yellow lines into the eastbound lane.
The side mirrors of the two vehicles collided, shattering the driver’s side window of Cheechov’s truck. Cheechov pulled over to exchange information, but Hust continued driving westbound without stopping.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) from Chester and Red Bluff responded, launching a search for the hit-and-run vehicle. They located Hust and his Ram 3500 on SR-32 near Chico Creek Bridge, stopped in traffic control for the Park Fire rehabilitation project.
Hust was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and hit-and-run. He was booked into the Tehama County Jail. No injuries were reported.
