Preliminary investigation indicates pedestrian walked in front of traffic in 4th and A collision

 On October 22, 2020, at about 6:12 p.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department (EPD) responded to the intersection of 4th and A Streets for the report of a vehicle vs. pedestrian collision. 

The pedestrian was located injured in the roadway and the involved vehicle was no longer on scene.    The 25-year-old male pedestrian was transported to the hospital by ambulance with major injuries.  The pedestrian remains in serious but stable condition.  

While officers were on scene investigating, the involved driver, a 47-year-old male, contacted EPD by phone once he arrived home.  Officers responded to the male’s residence for an interview.  The driver explained that he was “shook up” and didn’t have a phone on him to call from the scene.    Based on the preliminary investigation and surveillance, it appears the pedestrian walked onto the marked crosswalk, in front of oncoming westbound 4th Street traffic. He attempted to cross all the three lanes of 4th Street, while traffic flow continued toward him. The pedestrian then appeared to suddenly run out in front of the car that ultimately struck him. The driver of the car stated that he did not see the pedestrian approaching and was unable to avoid the collision.   The driver was evaluated and it does not appear drugs or alcohol were a factor.  He is cooperating with the investigation and the involved vehicle was towed for evidence.  The collision remains under investigation and no arrests have been made at this time. Upon completion, the case will be forwarded to the Humboldt County District Attorney for review.  Further information will be released as available.