OAKLAND – The California Highway Patrol arrested a driver on New Year’s Day at 1:18 a.m., after two homeless persons were injured by a car crashing into their encampment, near the 980 Freeway ramp at 27th Street.
A CPH officer attempted to pull over a car he believed was being driven recklessly through the MacArthur Maze in Oakland, on the eastbound Interstate 80 connector to eastbound Interstate 580, but the driver failed to stop. It’s a busy interchange that connects several freeways.
Google maps – 980 at 27th St exit
While being pursued by the CHP, the car merged on to the 980 Freeway and then exited at 27th Street, where the driver lost control and crashed into a homeless encampment, according the CHP account of the incident. The suspect tried to run away, but was captured by officers after a brief foot chase.
Nicholas Turrentine, 32, of Oakland, was arrested on four felony charges including leaving the scene of an accident after causing death or injury. He’s in custody at Santa Rita Jail for $193,000 bail.
The suspect was also charged with possession of an unregistered (loaded) gun, possession of brass knuckles and evading a police officer, in addition to misdemeanor charges for obstructing an officer and driving with a suspended license.
Two homeless people sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital, as was Turrentine who sustained minor injuries. Two passengers who were with him were interviewed at the scene and then released.
