Clearlake >> An alleged reckless driver hit a motorcycle with two boys who sustained moderate and major injuries on Sunday.
At about 8:32 p.m., Clearlake Police Department (CPD) officers were dispatched to the intersection of 33rd Avenue and Phillips Avenue for a vehicle collision. It was a reported the involved vehicle had collided with numerous juveniles, according to Sgt. Travis Lenz.
Once on scene, officers determined a 2005 Dodge Dakota, driver Earl Vogt, 34, had collided with a street legal enduro motorcycle, which was occupied by two boys juveniles, both 15.
The driver of the motorcycle sustained moderate injuries as a result of the crash. The rear passenger on the motorcycle sustained major injuries, Lenz reported. Lake County Fire Protection District personnel arrived on scene and began treating the motorcycle riders for their injuries.
As a result of the investigation, it was determined Vogt, of Clearlake, was following a red Mustang while driving recklessly, throughout the city of Clearlake prior to the collision, Lenz said. Once on Phillips Avenue, the two vehicles proceeded southbound until they came up behind a motorcycle traveling in front of them. The driver of the Mustang crossed over the double-yellow lines into the oncoming lane of traffic to pass the motorcycle. While traveling at a reportedly unsafe speed, Vogt also crossed over the double-yellow lines into the oncoming lane of traffic in an attempt to overtake the motorcycle and keep up with the Mustang he was following.
As Vogt was approaching the motorcycle, the motorcycle began to make a left turn onto 33rd Avenue in front of Vogt’s vehicle, at which time Vogt collided with it, according to reports. Both riders were thrown off from the motorcycle.
The driver of the motorcycle was transported and treated at Saint Helena Hospital, Clear Lake. The passenger of the motorcycle was flown to an out-of-county hospital for medical treatment. Vogt was uninjured, Lenz reported.
Phillips Avenue was shut down for several hours after the collision, as the scene was investigated by the CPD traffic officer Michael Perreault.
Based on statements obtained and the evidence located at the scene of the collision, it was determined Vogt caused the traffic accident by crossing over the double-yellow lines, while driving at an unsafe speed, Lenz said. At the time of the collision Vogt had three juveniles in the rear seat of his vehicle. It does not appear alcohol or drugs contributed to the collision.
Vogt was arrested and transported and booked into the Lake County jail and faces charges of felony child endangerment and felony reckless driving.
Anyone with information in regard to this investigation is asked to contact Perreault at the CPD office at (707) 994-8251 extension 543.
