The suspected driver responsible for a hit-and-run collision near Laytonville on Sunday has reportedly surrendered at the California Highway Patrol office in Ukiah.
The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Bonifacio Ramirez Gomez of Lawndale, Calif., came into the Ukiah office around noon on Tuesday, allegedly admitting he caused the accident that killed one and injured another.
According to the CHP’s report of the accident, the driver had been traveling north on Highway 101, north of Steel Lane, in a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, when he crossed over solid double yellow lines into the opposing lane, colliding with the right side of a 1965 Ford Falcon traveling south.
The passenger of the Ford Falcon died at the scene, and the driver, age 46, was taken to Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits with major injuries, then airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, the CHP reported on Sunday. The two were from Concord, Calif. The MCSO has identified the passenger who died as Lorna Jean Ballard, age 54.
The driver who caused the accident had run from the scene before officials arrived.
Gomez was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in death or injury, vehicular manslaughter acting with gross negligence. Illegal entry was later added to the suspected charges. He was medically cleared and booked into county jail on Tuesday, held under $50,000 bail.
The CHP and the Mendocino County District’s Attorney’s Office are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call the CHP Garberville office at (707) 923-2155.
