UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Three people were hurt early Thursday morning when the vehicle they were riding in went off Highway 20 and down an embankment, with the driver later being arrested.
Ukiah residents Leona Maria Delapena, 29; Jason Steele, 21; and a 17-year-old female, whose name was not released, were injured in the single-vehicle wreck, which occurred at 1:40 a.m. Thursday on Highway 20 west of Witter Springs Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Delapena was driving eastbound in her 2008 Honda Accord when, for reasons still under investigation, she went off the south shoulder of the highway and hit a tree, the CHP reported.
The CHP report said Delapena and Steele both suffered moderate injuries while the teen had major injuries.
Alcohol appears to have been a factor in the crash, the agency said. Delapena was placed under arrest.
The teenage girl was flown by CalStar to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Delapena was transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Steele went to Ukiah Valley Medical Center for treatment, the CHP said.
All three were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash, according to the CHP.
The CHP said the crash remains under investigation.