UPDATE, 1:47 p.m.: CHP writes back to let us know…:
Brett Kemp has been located and is uninjured! He also admitted to being the driver of the Dodge at the time of the collision.
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Original Post: California Highway Patrol press release:
On February 14, 2017 at approximately 2210 hours, a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 driven by an unknown individual, was traveling south on SR-254 just south of Bridge Creek Rd. For reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Dodge allowed the truck to travel across the northbound lane and travel off the east roadway edge of SR-254. After leaving the roadway the Dodge collided into the wood and metal guard rail located east of the roadway. The driver of the vehicle exited the vehicle and was contacted by a passer-by prior to fleeing into the woods east of the scene.
Based on the description provided by the passer-by, it is believed the driver of the Dodge could have been the registered owner, Brett Michael Kemp, age 31 from Fortuna, CA. Since the collision, neither law enforcement officers or Kemp’s family have been able to make contact with him to check on his welfare. A search of area where the driver of the Dodge fled into the woods was check by responding officers and no signs of the driver were located by on scene personnel.
The California Highway Patrol is requesting anyone with knowledge of this collision or the Kemp’s whereabouts to contact the Garberville CHP office (707) 923-2155. This collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, Garberville Office.