CLEARLAKE OAKS — A Clearlake Oaks resident was struck by a vehicle on Friday while riding his bicycle.
According to a California Highway Patrol news release, at approximately 6:15 p.m. an 18-year-old male was riding his BMX bicycle eastbound on Highway 20 just east of Oak Grove Avenue in Clearlake Oaks. An unidentified vehicle was driving in the same direction and struck the bicyclist, causing him to sustain major injuries. The victim was transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital where he was treated for major head trauma.
According to the CHP, Officers Kevin Domby and Chris Barnes analyzed the evidence at the scene and developed leads on the suspect vehicle. They tracked down the suspect vehicle to a residence in Clearlake Oaks, less than .5 miles from where the collision occurred. They contacted the owner of the vehicle, John Somdahl, 59, and took him into custody. He was transported to the Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked for felony hit-and-run.
“The 18-year-old was not wearing a helmet,” said Clear Lake Area CHP officer Josh Dye. “He was 18 so he was not required to wear one, but it may have helped him out if he was wearing one.”
According to the Institute for Highway Safety, 2 percent of motor vehicle-related deaths are bicyclists. The most serious injuries among a majority of those killed are to the head, highlighting the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet. Helmet use has been estimated to reduce head injury risk by 85 percent. Helmets are important for riders of all ages, especially because more than 80 percent of bicyclist deaths are persons 16 and older.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call CHP Dispatch at 467-4000.
Contact Rene Morales at rmorales@record-bee.com.
