CHP Shares Details, Charges Behind Two DUI Crashes
San Andreas, CA – Law enforcement officials are releasing details of two injury accidents where alcohol was determined to be a factor and resulted in criminal charges.
The California Highway Patrol San Andreas Unit reports the arrest of a Murphys resident for felony DUI and felony hit-and-run following a two-vehicle accident along Highway 4, just west of Ponderosa Way. The CHP states that Samantha Crane, 37, alone behind the wheel of a 2015 BMW 328i, had made several unsafe turns along the westbound roadway due to her intoxication. It resulted in her ultimately crossing over the double yellow lines where she collided with a 2002 Ford Ranger pickup driven by Edward Charlton, 79, also of Murphys. Charlton sustained moderate injuries in the crash and an American Legion ambulance subsequently transported him to Sonora Regional Medical Center for treatment. Although both vehicles reportedly suffered major impact damage, Crane, apparently uninjured, fled the scene in the BMW. The CHP reports that she was later located and arrested at her residence. The accident occurred Thursday just before 3 p.m.
A solo motorcyclist headed west on Highway 26 suffered major injuries and was later arrested for DUI after losing control of a 2014 Harley Davidson. The CHP states that John Franklin, 51, of Angels Camp, while approaching Vista Del Lago Drive, passed a slowing vehicle that was preparing to make a right turn onto that road. For unknown reasons, officers say, Franklin lost control of the bike and was ejected onto the asphalt. The CHP states Franklin was flown to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto and that the collision remains under investigation. The crash happened Friday just after 5 p.m.
