A Susanville man was arrested for driving under the influence Monday, November 11th, after a collision on Richmond Road near Johnstonville sent him to the hospital and injured the driver of a second vehicle.
According to the report from the Susanville office of the California Highway Patrol a man identified as 37-year old Susanville resident Andrea Vial was driving his 2015 KIA Optima west on SR-36 near Richmond Road when he observed the light turning from green to yellow.
Rather than slow down, Vial attempted to make a right turn onto Richmond Road at a high rate of speed, approximately 40mph.
“Due to his high level of alcohol intoxication,” the CHP report explains, “Vial completely misjudged his ability to safely make a turn onto Richmond Road and he drove out of his lane and across the roadway into the eastbound lane of Richmond Road.”
A second driver, identified as 61-year old Susanville resident James Hanson, was driving his Toyota Avalon east on Richmond Road, slowing down as he approached the highway 395 intersection.
The front of Vial’s Kia impacted against the front of Hanson’s Toyota causing major damage to both vehicles.
Vial was transported to Banner Lassen Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries. Hanson received minor injuries and sought his own treatment.
CHP responded to the scene and began their investigation which led to the arrest of Vial for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence of alcohol.
