Chico Crash Horror: DUI Suspect Flees Scene After Wrecking Traffic Signal

Chico Crash Horror

A chaotic scene unfolded in Chico in the early hours of Thursday as a driver was apprehended for driving under the influence (DUI) following a high-impact crash. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. at the intersection of Walnut and W. 3rd St. in Chico, where a collision involving multiple vehicles wreaked havoc. According to Chico Police officers, the situation originated when they received reports of a vehicle exhibiting reckless driving behavior in the downtown area. Upon spotting the vehicle on W. 3rd Street, an officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, the suspect's vehicle disregarded a red light at Walnut Street, veering off the road and triggering the subsequent crash. The collision resulted in significant damage, including the destruction of a traffic light and a crosswalk signal, with two vehicles being propelled into the parking lot of Dragon Tobacco. Among the vehicles involved was a Chrysler sedan, which collided with a minivan owned by Dragon Tobacco, ultimately causing the minivan to overturn and come to rest on its roof. Subsequently, 24-year-old Connor Duggan, the driver of the sedan, was arrested on charges of DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, and reckless driving. The passenger, identified as 27-year-old Ian Lochtefeld, was also implicated in the incident. Surveillance footage obtained by Action News Now depicted the silver sedan traveling westbound on 3rd Street before crashing into the traffic signal and the adjacent parking lot. Following the collision, two individuals exited the sedan and fled the scene, but were later apprehended by law enforcement. The aftermath of the crash left the downtown area of Chico in disarray, highlighting the dangers of reckless driving and the serious consequences of driving under the influence.