On December 17, 2020 at approximately 4:04 p.m, Sacramento Police Department patrol officers responded to the intersection of 65th Street and Fruitridge Road regarding a vehicle collision involving two vehicles.  When officers arrived, they found that one of the involved vehicles, a Ford SUV, had overturned after colliding with a Toyota Corolla.  Sacramento Fire Department personnel had arrived and were providing medical attention to the involved parties.

The two occupants of the Corolla sustained major injury and were both transported to a local hospital.  One of these occupants, an adult male, was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.  The other occupant is listed in critical but stable condition.

The driver, and solo occupant, of the Ford SUV, sustained minor injury and was exhibiting signs of impairment on scene.

The Sacramento Police Department’s Major Collisions Investigations Unit (MCIU) responded to take over the investigation.  Based on an extensive canvass and evidence on scene, detectives believe that the driver of the SUV, identified as 62-year-old Charles Howell, was at fault in the collision.  A DUI investigation also led detectives to believe that Howell was driving while intoxicated.  Howell was arrested on felony manslaughter and felony DUI charges.  Detectives believe that speed was a factor in this collision.

The Sacramento County Coroner’s office will release the identity of the deceased after next of kin have been notified.

The Sacramento Police Department encourages any witnesses with information regarding this investigation to contact the dispatch center at (916) 808-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000. Anonymous tips can also be submitted using the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app.