Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Driver in Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Road Car Crash Arrested for DUI

Cyclist, motorist hurt in Marin accident.

By Bay City News Service

A driver involved in a crash Saturday morning that injured two bicyclists and knocked over a power pole in Marin County was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The driver, 34-year-old Joseph Fechter of Point Reyes, was driving west on Point Reyes-Petaluma Road around 9:10 a.m. east of Hicks Valley road when he approached a group of three bicyclists in the road, Officer Andrew Barclay said.

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As he passed the cyclists to the left he allegedly sideswiped one of them, but that rider sustained only minor injuries and was able to keep riding, Barclay said. After that collision, Fechter allegedly kept driving and swerving, and then went off the road and struck a power pole, Barclay said.

The pole split in half, knocking the top half and live power lines into the road. One bicyclist was unable to stop in time and struck the downed pole, sustaining moderate injuries.

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Both Fechter and the second injured cyclist were taken to hospitals for treatment of their injuries.

After an interview with investigating officers, Fechter was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

The road remained closed as of around 6 p.m. Saturday while PG&E worked to repair the power pole and clear the roadway.



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