UPDATE, April 25, 3:28 p.m.: The Prius driver who the Sheriff’s Office was seeking in connection with this incident has been identified and is cooperating investigators, according to spokesperson Selena Zorrilla Mendoza. The office has not yet determined whether charges are warranted.
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Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release:
On Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at about 8:20 p.m., Humboldt County Deputy Sheriffs responded to a local hospital to speak with a victim from a possible road rage incident that occurred in front of Six Rivers Brewery in McKinleyville. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the 33 year old male victim, who sustained significant injuries after being struck by a vehicle. The victim told deputies he was driving northbound on Highway 101 when he approached and eventually passed a white Toyota Prius. The white Prius followed closely behind him. The victim exited the highway at Central Ave and continued northbound with the Prius following.
The victim drove into the Six Rivers Brewery parking lot and parked on Henry Ln. The Prius stopped a few feet from the victim’s vehicle. The victim exited his vehicle and walked toward the Prius. The driver of the Prius accelerated and ran into the victim, hitting him with his bumper and drove off. The victim was taken to local hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
The suspect is described as a 60 year old white male adult, with a short white beard and wearing sunglasses. The vehicle is described as a newer model, white Toyota Prius.
Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.