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Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

On Saturday, May 18, 2019, at approximately 7:28 a.m., the Humboldt Communications Center received a call of vehicle versus pedestrian hit and run traffic collision located on Central Avenue, south of Bella Vista Road. 

Clinton Eugene Deckert II, age 47 of McKinleyville was walking in a northerly direction along the east shoulder of Central Avenue, south of Bella Vista Road.  Shala Marie Bianco, age 25 of McKinleyville was driving a black, 1997 Toyota Rav4 northbound on Central Avenue, south of Bella Vista Road and approaching to the rear of Deckert.  As the Toyota approached Deckert, Bianco made an unsafe turn and turned the Toyota to the right.  This resulted in the Toyota driving onto the shoulder and colliding into Deckert.  After the collision, Bianco fled the scene at a high rate of speed, continuing to drive north towards town.  Deckert was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Within less than an hour time, Bianco called Humboldt Communications Center and stated she was the driver of the Toyota.  Bianco was contacted and arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs.  Due to this collision, Central Avenue was closed for approximately an hour and twenty minutes. 

The California Highway Patrol would like to thank all that assisted with this investigation including but not limited to the many good Samaritans who provided essential information, Arcata Fire Department, California Department of Transportation, Humboldt State University Police Department and the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office.

The California Highway Patrol Humboldt Area is continuing its investigation5  into this collision and is asking anyone with additional information to contact the Humboldt Area CHP Office at 707-822-5981 or to send an email to humboldt_area.humboldt_area@chp.ca.gov.