News

California Highway Patrol responded to a vehicle collision near Myrtle Avenue and Russell Lane earlier this morning that resulted in one fatality and an arrest. 

According to the report, when law enforcement arrived they found that a 2008 Nissan Altima collided with two parked vehicles.

The driver of the Nissan, Ismael Lopez Jr., and the passenger were taken to St. Joseph Hospital for treatment, soon after the passenger later succumbed to her injuries. Her name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Upon further investigation, officials found that alcohol and drugs were a factor in the collision.

Lopez was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in injuries, and driving under the influence of drugs resulting in injuries.

If you have more information about the collision, call Humboldt CHP at  822-5981.

Read the full press release below.

On 12/17/2020, at approximately 0017 hours, the CHP Humboldt Communication Center (HCC) dispatched Humboldt Area CHP to a vehicle collision with an ambulance responding near Myrtle Avenue and Russell Lane. Humboldt Bay Fire Department, City Ambulance, and CHP Officers responded to the scene and located a 2008 Nissan Altima that had collided with two parked vehicles. The driver, Ismael Lopez, Jr. and passenger, Jane Doe, were transported to St. Joseph Hospital for treatment. Despite the valiant efforts of Fire, Ambulance, and Hospital personnel, Jane Doe unfortunately succumbed to her injuries at 0236 hours. The identification of the passenger is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Humboldt County Coroner's office.

The CHP's preliminary investigation has determined that alcohol and drugs were a factor in this collision. Ismael Lopez, Jr. was subsequently placed under arrest for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in injuries, and driving under the influence of drugs resulting in injuries.

The CHP is continuing to investigate this collision and asks anyone with information to contact the Humboldt Area CHP office at (707)822-5981.