LAKEPORT — Two Finley men were airlifted to out-of-county hospitals after a suspected drunk-driving crash that sent a sedan rolling into a vineyard outside Lakeport Sunday evening.
The driver in the solo-car wreck, Nelson Hernandez, was ultimately placed under arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, California Highway Patrol Officer Greg Buchholz stated.
Hernandez insisted on getting behind the wheel that evening even though his 18-year-old passenger was designated as the sober driver, according to the third passenger, Finley resident Ivan Vasquez, who spoke to a reporter at the scene.
According to Buchholz, Hernandez, 24, of Finley was driving a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant at a high rate of speed southbound on Highland Springs Road north of Rodello Road around 8:30 p.m. Sunday.
While trying to negotiate a right curve, Hernandez allowed the sedan to veer to the left, cross the double-yellow lines and exit the roadway because of his level of alcohol intoxication, the officer alleged.
The gold Galant reportedly rolled multiple times before coming to rest in a vineyard adjacent to the road.
Passenger and Finley resident Brian Vasquez suffered undisclosed major injuries and was taken by air ambulance to Enloe Medical Center, according to Buchholz. Hernandez sustained moderate injuries and was airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center.
Ivan Vasquez, the only other occupant, was not injured, according to Buchholz.
The officer stated the ages of the Vasquezes were unknown, but Ivan Vasquez said he was 23 and Brian Vasquez was 18.
Brian Vasquez was originally slated to drive after the trio left TJ”s Downtown Bar & Grill in Lakeport just before the crash to head to a tournament in the Highland Springs area, according to Ivan Vasquez.
Weather conditions were clear, warm and dry, and all three men wore seat belts at the time of the crash, Buchholz stated.
Note: A previous article on this crash listed a different last name for Ivan Vasquez. Lake County Publishing regrets the confusion.
