Sonora Man Faces Manslaughter Charges After Accident Yesterday

Sonora, CA — One man is dead and another was arrested for a felony DUI and manslaughter following a car accident in Sonora yesterday.

The California Highway Patrol says 33-year-old Mark Hernandez was driving a Pontiac Sedan eastbound on Tuolumne Road at an extremely high rate of speed traveling toward Hess Avenue.

71-year-old David Lomeli was driving a Ford Pick-up and stopped in the left turn lane on Tuolumne Road waiting to make a left turn onto Hess Avenue. CHP says Hernandez was driving in the center two way left turn lane to pass other vehicles.

As he approached Lomeli CHP says he failed to observe that the Ford was stopped in front of him and drove his sedan into the rear of Lomeli´s Ford pushing the truck more than 200 feet.

Both men were transported to Sonora Regional Medical Center for treatment, however Lomeli succumbed to his injuries. Hernandez was treated for moderate injuries and then arrested for Felony Drunk Driving and Felony Manslaughter Charges.