A multi-vehicle crash on Tuesday resulted in one fatality, multiple injuries and the arrest of a driver suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. The incident occurred around 7:47 a.m. on Highway 36 eastbound, just west of US Highway 395, the CHP said.
According to the California Highway Patrol Susanville Area office, the crash involved five vehicles and was triggered by a driver traveling at a high rate of speed who was unable to slow down or stop as they approached stopped and slow-moving traffic at a green light.
Sequence of Events
- William R. Dougherty, 49, of Sacramento was driving his 1998 Ford Club Wagon Van eastbound on Highway 36 and collided with the rear of a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, pushing it forward into a 2024 Freightliner truck tractor.
- After the impact, the Ford Club Wagon veered to the right, narrowly missing the Freightliner, but then veered left and struck the rear a 2016 Jeep Wrangler, which in turn collided with a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado.
Casualties and Injuries
- The driver of the Equinox, a 46-year-old woman from Susanville, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, the CHP said
- A passenger in the Equinox, who was identified as a 10-year-old girl, suffered major injuries and was airlifted to Renown Medical Center in Reno, NV.
- The drivers of the Jeep and the Chevrolet sustained minor injuries but were not transported for treatment.
- The driver of the Ford Club Wagon Van, Dougherty, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Banner Lassen Medical Center before being arrested.
Arrest and Charges
The CHP said William R. Dougherty was determined to be under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash. Following treatment, they were arrested and booked into the Lassen County Jail on multiple charges, including:
- “Watson” DUI Murder
- Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Under the Influence of Drugs
- DUI (Drugs) Causing Death
- Driving While Addicted to a Drug
The CHP also said Dougherty was not wearing a seatbelt.
The Susanville Area CHP sends its heart-felt condolences to all those affected by this incident. The Susanville Area CHP would like to thank personnel from the Lassen County Sheriffs Department, Susanville Police Department, Lassen County District Attorney’s Office, California Department of Transportation, Cal-Fire, Susanville Fire Department, Susan River Fire Department, High Desert State Prison, SEMSA, the staff at Banner Lassen and Renown Medical Centers, and Lassen County Animal Control for their efforts and assistance at this extensive incident.