Utah man charged in fatal Highway 4 bypass crash
By Robert Salonga
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 07/02/2010 11:26:59 AM PDT
Updated: 07/02/2010 05:48:32 PM PDT
MARTINEZ — A Utah man has been charged with causing the deaths of two motorcyclists on the Highway 4 bypass and then leaving the scene, prosecutors said Friday.
John McDonald, 46, of South Jordan, Utah, faces two counts of vehicular manslaughter with an enhancement of leaving the scene of the June 15 crash, and a charge of hit-and-run causing great bodily injury, according to the District Attorney's Office.
McDonald had been making arrangements through his attorney to surrender, and was expected to do so later Friday, after which he would be arraigned, deputy district attorney John Cope said.
Brentwood resident Gina Blackstone, 47, and Anthony Soldano, 56, of Burlingame, were killed when their motorcycle was struck head-on about 4:40 p.m. by a Honda Civic driven by a 19-year-old Antioch woman. The Civic driver had veered into eastbound lanes to avoid a swerving black Ford F-350 towing a boat that was headed west, according to the California Highway Patrol. The Antioch woman suffered leg injuries.
CHP Officer Tom Maguire credited callers' tips and media attention with helping investigators track down McDonald.
"We could not have done it without their help," Maguire said. "We have several pieces of independent corroboration that put him at the scene."
Investigators also are exploring whether anyone helped McDonald avoid authorities, Maguire said.
Author
Topic: Head on in SF Bay Area (Read 1957 times)