A Lucerne man was airlifted by REACH helicopter to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital on Saturday after being hit by a vehicle while crossing Highway 20 in Upper Lake.
The victim suffered severe head trauma, according to California Highway Patrol officer Ryan Erickson.
The incident occurred at approximately 6 p.m. on Dec. 13. Arthur Takoa of Applegate was driving east on Highway 20, passing through Upper Lake. According to CHP reports, he was driving at no more than 45 miles per hour.
Just beyond the Main St. intersection, the pedestrian stepped into the path of Takoa”s vehicle, a 2012 Toyota, Erickson reported. Both Takoa and his passenger, Linda Takoa, also of Applegate, were wearing their seat belts and sustained no serious injuries.
Authorities determined that drugs or alcohol were not a factor for the driver. It is unknown at press time if drugs or alcohol factored into the victim”s actions.
The CHP investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing. Authorities have not released the name of the injured man, pending notification of family.
