Published by Raymond Ray
Article and photos by Malia Dietz
Shortly after 7 p.m. on Saturday, a call went into 911 reporting a two vehicle traffic collision on Country Club Drive near Mt. Doble Drive in Big Bear City.
Medic Engine 282 from the Big Bear City Fire Authority arrived on scene and found two vehicles with major damage. Vehicle #1, a gold Mitsubishi Mirage, appeared to have been traveling eastbound on Country Club Drive. Based on witness statements at the scene, the Mitsubishi Mirage allegedly ran a stop sign and collided with Vehicle #2, a green Jeep Cherokee. This caused the Jeep to crash into nearby tree.
One female patient was transported to a local hospital by Medic Ambulance 282A. The exact nature and extent of her injuries are unknown at this time. The driver from Vehicle #1 suddenly requested to be transported to the hospital with unknown injuries. Emergency crews on scene summoned a second ambulance. Medic Ambulance 282 arrived on scene shortly thereafter. For unknown reasons, the driver suddenly declined medical treatment.
California Highway Patrol units arrived on scene and that driver then allegedly ran from the scene. Fire department personnel advised CHP that they believed the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol. CHP searched the area and the driver was unable to be found.
A Performance Tow loaded both vehicles and cleaned the accident scene. The cause for the crash is still under investigation but officials believe alcohol may have been a factor. At this time the driver of Vehicle #1 still has not been located.