THIS IS THE DIRECT REPOST FROM THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL MEDIA RELEASE
On December 27, 2019, at approximately 12:11 am, the CHP – Sacramento Communications Center advised of an injury collision with an ambulance responding located on the 6000 block of Orange Ave. Witnesses advised of a vehicle down a ditch with two occupants appearing to be trapped.
Units from the South Sacramento Area arrived on scene at 12:13 am and determined that this was a two vehicle major injury collision. The collision occurred as a 1994 Mercedes E320 station wagon was backing out of a residence located on the 6000 block of Orange Ave.
The Mercedes backed up northbound across both lanes of Orange Ave, then as it began to travel forward into the eastbound lane of Orange Ave, it was broadsided by a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 traveling at a high rate of speed.
The driver of the Mercedes, a 60 year old male, suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The passenger of the Mercedes, a 63 year old female, was pronounced deceased at the scene by personnel of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. A deceased dog was located on the lap of the Mercedes passenger.
The driver of the Chevy, 49 year old Eloy Tapia, out of Sacramento, suffered minor injuries and was contacted by officers at the scene. Tapia displayed objective symptoms of intoxication and evaluated and determined to be under the influence of alcohol. Tapia was arrested for DUI causing major injury/death and vehicular manslaughter and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office after next if kin is notified.
This is another tragic reminder of the dangers of drunk driving. Drunk driving fatal collisions are 100% preventable!! Never get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you are impaired.
