Leggett Man Arrested for DUI After Collision That Injured Myers Flat Toddler on Hwy 1
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:
[James Belch age 52 of Leggett] was driving [a 2000 GMC] northbound on SR-1 near milepost marker 1 MEN 84.5 at approximately 35-40 MPH. [Raeanna Baumann age 20 of Myers Flat] was driving [a 1998 Toyota] southbound on SR-1 north of [the GMC]. [Belch] was approaching a right hand curve in the roadway when he allowed [his vehicle] to drift to the left and cross over the solid double yellow lines. [It] proceeded into the southbound lane while traveling directly towards [the Toyota].
[Baumann] was driving…through the same curve at that moment when she saw [the GMC] traveling directly towards her. Due to the limited space of the roadway and minimal time to react, [Baumann]was unable to avoid a collision with [the GMC].
The front of [the GMC] collided into the front of [her vehicle]. Both vehicles came to rest within the roadway of SR-1 on their wheels.
[Michael Baumann III age 1] was transported from the scene and taken to UC Davis Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.
It is undetermined at this time whether [the toddler] was properly secured in his child seat at the time of the collision.
[Belch] was determined to be driving while under the influence of alcohol and placed under arrest.
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Common all over Humboldt. Approach those blind turns cautiously, there’s usually a grow dozer dragging a trailer in your lane.
Yes, and you know you’re in the heart of the Triangle when this happens and make 50G bail within hours?
Thanks for the follow-up on these very important stories Kym. So many times left wondering for days, weeks, months or longer about the local news.
Is “Belch” a name like “Smith”; “Miller”; “Carpenter”; “Cooper” where the name reflect that for which a person was known? I wonder what he ate?
Are you ripped? Not that there’s anything wrong with that!
Just one more thing to add to the ever growing list of… Things That Make You Go Hmmm!!!???
Ya know, it’s one thing if you want to drink and drive and kill yourself. It’s another entirely to jeopardize the lives of others, especially a beautiful child. Bailed out at 4 a.m. Beware drivers. Prayers for the innocent family.
Who Tony
In el Salvador it’s a firing squad for driving drunk