DUI Suspected in Crash That Closed 101 for Hours

This is a press release from the California Highway Patrol. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:

On January 23, 2017, at approximately 11:05 AM, a  Ford pickup, driven by 58 year old Garberville resident Gerald Stillwell, was traveling southbound on US-101, north of Black Oak Ranch, near milepost marker 75.5, in Mendocino County.  For reasons under investigation, the Ford traveled across the center line of US-101, and collided head-on with a northbound Volvo semi-truck, driven by 63 year old Fair Oaks resident Gary Fischer.  The collision caused damage to the semi-truck’s saddle mounted fuel tanks, resulting in approximately 75 gallons of diesel fuel to leak onto the roadway.  A small amount of diesel spread to the west dirt shoulder of US-101.

Cal-Trans, Cal-Fire, Mendocino County Environmental Health, and Laytonville Volunteer Fire responded and assisted at the scene.

US-101 was closed in both directions for approximately two and one half  hours, for cleanup of the scene.

During the investigation, it was determined that Stillwell was driving under the influence at the time of the collision.  Stillwell was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence and booked into the Mendocino County Jail.

This collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

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david shaw
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david shaw
7 years ago

idiot

MOGTX
Guest
7 years ago

I’m shocked that he is alive .Head on with a big rig.Being drunk probably saved his ass.

Peggy Sarver
Guest
7 years ago
Reply to  MOGTX

Omg……prayers for all….

D
Guest
D
7 years ago

Marijuana is also considered DUI under the influence. Just saying DUI comes in many forms and driving under the influence of marijuana carries the same legal consequences as does alcohol or prescription drugs

Dee
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Dee
7 years ago
Reply to  D

True, do you know if they havr gotten the cheek swab marijuana detection test ready for use? Just curious, had read they were still testing it to be ready for january 2018.

Rossi
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Rossi
7 years ago
Reply to  D

Why are you trying to conflate marijuana use and driving under the influence of alcohol as the probable cause of this accident? A little agenda peeking through?

Kate
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Kate
7 years ago
Reply to  Rossi

I read it more as warning (though I do see your point)

Kitty
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Kitty
7 years ago

Prayers for All.

Martin's
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Martin's
7 years ago

Thoughts and prayers to all involved.

judi
Guest
7 years ago

i hope the testing results for drug dui are more accurate than urine tests.