LAKE COUNTY — A Kelseyville man allegedly ran off after causing a crash about 1 p.m. Saturday on Soda Bay and Mission Rancheria roads, California Highway Patrol reported.
CHP officers found Thomas Mello, 40, at Konocti Vista Casino and arrested him on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, felony driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license and being under the influence of a controlled substance, CHP reported.
Mello was driving a 1999 Ford Explorer eastbound on Soda Bay Road and stopped at the intersection of Mission Rancheria Road to make a left as Patricia McFarland, 63, of Lakeport was driving a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser west on Soda Bay Road, CHP reported. She was driving about 25 mph. Mello failed to yield the right of way to McFarland”s car and made a left turn directly into her path. The front of the Explorer collided with the PT Cruiser.
The crash caused major injuries to McFarland, and Lakeport fire transported her by ambulance to Sutter-Lakeside Hospital, CHP reported.
Officers Ericka Coddington and Matt Norton later found Mello at the casino, CHP reported. Witnesses and other physical evidence identified Mello.
Mello also had an outstanding warrant from Lake County.
The involved vehicles remained in the intersection for approximately 30 minutes while traffic was routed onto the shoulders, CHP reported.
Officer Jake Bushey is still investigating the crash.
