Driver Arrested for DUI and an 8-year-old Girl Flown to Out-of-the-Area Hospital After Crash in McKinleyville Last Night

The photo shows where the white pickup struck the red jeep. [Photo provided by a reader]

An 8-year-old girl was flown to an out of the area hospital and is currently in an ICU while others have injuries also, according to a family member of those in the red Jeep.

According to press release from the California Highway Patrol

On 11/15/2020, at approximately 645 PM, the Humboldt Area CHP received a report of a head on collision on Sutter Rd. at Weirup Ln. in McKinleyville.  A preliminary investigation by CHP determined that a 2000 Nissan Frontier, being driven by 29 year old William Cromwell of Santa Barbara, CA, was traveling westbound on Sutter Rd., approaching Weirup Ln.  A 2007 Jeep Wrangler, being driven by 29 year old Samantha Blount of McKinleyville, was traveling eastbound on Sutter Rd., approaching Weirup Ln.  Mr. Cromwell allowed his truck to travel into the eastbound lane of Sutter Rd. and collided head-on with the Jeep.

It was initially believed that an 8 year old female passenger in the Jeep suffered minor injuries and medical treatment was declined at the scene.  However, the passenger was later taken to the hospital where it was determined she suffered a serious internal injury as a result of the collision and was transported out of the area for further treatment.

Impairment is considered a factor in this collision.  Mr. Cromwell was arrested for Felony DUI and, after being medically cleared at the hospital, he was booked into the Humboldt County Jail.

The CHP Humboldt Area Office is continuing to investigate this collision and asks anyone who may have information to contact the office at 707-822-5981 or send an email to [email protected].

UPDATE 11:04 a.m.: Fundraiser for Little Girl Badly Injured by Alleged DUI Driver Last Night

Earlier Chapter: Traffic Collision in McKinleyville