CLEARLAKE — The Clearlake Police Department responded to three vehicle crashes in less than a three-hour period beginning late Saturday night. The incidents resulted in three arrests for driving under the influence.
Officers responded to a report of a single-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of 32nd and Boyles avenues at about 10:30 p.m. Saturday. According to Sgt. Rodd Joseph, when officers arrived they found a black Ford Taurus off of the roadway. “After an investigation, 27-year-old Jack Brown, of Clearlake was arrested for misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol,” Joseph said, adding that Brown”s vehicle was towed and he was booked into Lake County Jail. Joseph said there were no injuries in the incident.
About an hour and half later at 12:10 a.m. Sunday, officers were dispatched to the intersection of 36th and Phillips avenues following a report of another traffic accident. Joseph said when officer arrived on scene they found a single black Ford pick-up that was off the roadway in a ditch. The driver was identified as Kimberly Ratcliff, 40, of Clearlake.
“Ratcliffe became combative during the investigation and was arrested for misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol and felony resisting arrest,” Joseph said. “Ratcliffe had to be placed in additional leg restraints to keep her from kicking out the patrol car windows while being transported to the Lake County Jail.”
Joseph said there were no injuries in the second incident.
About an hour later, at 1:10 a.m. Sunday, officers driving northbound on Highway 53, just north of 18th Avenue, came upon another traffic collision involving two vehicles. Joseph said the incident had not yet been reported to police.
According to Joseph one vehicle, a red Ford Expedition was still blocking the roadway for northbound traffic. He said the vehicle had major front end damage. The other vehicle, a blue Pontiac Montana minivan was pushed into the brush about 30 yards east of the roadway edge of Highway 53. The Pontiac had major rear end damage, he said.
“There were injured passengers in both vehicles that were taken or transported to St. Helena Hospital Clearlake, some by ambulance,” Joseph said.
According to Joseph, the driver of the Ford, identified as Efrain Alvarez, 29, of Clearlake, was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was subsequently arrested. “He was charged with felony driving under the influence due to the injured passengers from both vehicles,” he said.
Northbound lanes of Highway 53 near the intersection with 18th Avenue were closed for more than hour while officers conducted the investigation. Both vehicle were towed from the scene and Alvarez was later booked into Lake County Jail.
“The Clearlake Police Department would like to remind all residents to please use a designated driver when consuming alcoholic beverages or any other intoxicating substance,” Joseph said.
