Robert Bergeson, charged with vehicular manslaughter in the 14th and H street traffic collision released from custody since he was not arraigned within 48 hours.

Robert Bergeson III was released from custody today by Judge John Feeney after his arraignment this afternoon since he was not arraigned within 48 hours. . Bergeson who is charged with alleged vehicular manslaughter in the death of Arcata resident Alan Edward Gradwohl and two other felonies.

Bergeson looked down as Judge John Feeney read the charges against him. He was soft spoken and listened attentively as his court appointed attorney spoke with him. He was released with certain conditions, which includes complete abstention from using or possessing any alcohol or intoxicants.

Deputy District Attorney Brent Kling was present in court today for the arraignment. The abstention clause was requested by Mr. Kling.

The Public Defender's office was appointed for Bergeson. Ms. Kelly Neel was present in court today for the arraignment.

Bergeson waived the 10 day requirement for his preliminary hearing but not the 60 day requirement.

An intervention hearing is scheduled for October 17 at 3 p.m. and the Preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 31 at 8:30.

There were a few cases today, arrests made between September 3 and 5, which were not arraigned according to PC 825 and the defendants were released from custody.

Sep 8, 2016

Robert Bergerson III charged with three felonies resulting from the traffic collision that allegedly caused the death of a pedestrian; alcohol level alleged to be 0.16%

Robert Willard Bergeson III, the alleged suspect in the traffic collision on September 4, will be arraigned this afternoon at 1:29 in Courtroom 5. The arraignment was moved to Courtroom 1.

He is charged with three felonies. Count 1 Vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence; Count 2Driving under the Influence of an Alcoholic Beverage causing injury; and Count 3 Driving with a 0.08% blood alcohol content causing injury. In the complaint filed, Bergeson's blood alcohol level is alleged to be 0.16%

Sep 5, 2016

APD identify pedestrian killed in alleged traffic collision on 14th and H street

On September 4, 2016 at about 7:15 pm, the Arcata Police Department investigated a fatal, vehicle versus pedestrian, traffic collision at the intersection of 14th Street and H Street in Arcata.
 The driver of the vehicle, Robert Willard Bergeson III, was determined to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision and was arrested. The pedestrian, identified as 55-year-old Arcata resident Alan Edward Gradwohl, was pronounced deceased at the scene.


 The incident remains under investigation and anyone that may have witnessed the collision or has information is asked to contact the Arcata Police Department at 822-2424.




           Bergeson