CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A Sunday night crash that injured two teenagers has led to the arrest of a Clearlake man who police said was driving recklessly.
Earl Lee Vogt, 34, was arrested on felony charges of child endangerment and reckless driving, according to Clearlake Police Sgt. Travis Lenz.
Just after 8:30 p.m. Sunday Clearlake Police officers were dispatched to the intersection of 33rd and Phillips avenues on the report of a collision involving a vehicle and numerous juveniles, Lenz said.
Once on scene, Lenz said officers determined a 2005 Dodge Dakota, driver by Vogt, had collided with a street legal enduro motorcycle ridden by two 15-year-old male juveniles.
Lenz said the driver of the motorcycle sustained moderate injuries as a result of the collision, while the rear passenger sustained major injuries.
Lake County Fire Protection District personnel arrived on scene and began treating the motorcycle riders for their injuries, Lenz said.
As a result of the investigation, Lenz said it was determined that Vogt – who had three juveniles in the rear seat of his vehicle – was following a red Ford Mustang while driving recklessly throughout the city of Clearlake prior to the collision.
Once on Phillips Avenue, the two vehicles proceeded southbound until they came up behind the motorcycle, according to Lenz's report.
Lenz said the driver of the Mustang crossed over the double yellow lines into the oncoming lane of traffic to pass the motorcycle.
While traveling at an unsafe speed, Vogt also crossed over the double yellow lines into the oncoming lane of traffic in an attempt to overtake the motorcycle and keep up with the Mustang he was following, Lenz said.
As Vogt was rapidly approaching the motorcycle, the motorcycle began to make a left turn onto 33rd Avenue in front of Vogt’s vehicle, at which time Vogt collided with it, Lenz said.
Lenz said both riders were ejected from the motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle was transported and treated at St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, while the passenger of the motorcycle was flown to an out-of-county hospital for medical treatment. Vogt was uninjured.
Phillips Avenue was shut down for several hours after the collision as the scene was investigated by Clearlake Police Department Traffic Officer Michael Perreault, according to Lenz.
Based on statements obtained and the evidence located at the scene of the collision, Lenz said it was determined Vogt caused the traffic accident by crossing over the double yellow lines while driving at an unsafe speed.
It does not appear alcohol or drugs contributed to the collision, Lenz said.
Vogt was arrested, transported and booked into the Lake County Jail, with his bail was set at $75,000. Jail records indicated he later was released.
He is tentatively set to appear in court on Aug. 16, according to his booking sheet.
Anyone with information in regard to this investigation is asked to contact Officer Perreault at the Clearlake Police Department at 707-994-8251, Extension 543.
Clearlake man arrested following Sunday crash that injured teens
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