Man Accused of Oroville Fatal Crash
According to court documents, Butte County judge ruled on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, that a man who has been accused of striking and fatally injuring a cyclist with his pickup truck in an Oroville collision is competent for standing trial.
After viewing doctor’s reports and criminal proceedings reinstated in the case, Superior Court Judge Kimberly Merrifield reportedly found the defendant, Anthony Abuanbar, a 38-year-old man from Oroville able to participate in court.
The Accident
Abuanbar has been charged with multiple criminal charges including a count of DUI, gross vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run driving leading to fatal injuries. These charges are related to an incident that occurred on September 12, 2017, at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Feather River Boulevard a small distance north of Oro Dam Boulevard.
Abuanbar reportedly had been driving south on Feather River Boulevard in a Ford F150 pickup truck when he struck Michael Cesspooch, a 53-year-old Marysville resident, who had been riding his bicycle at the time. Authorities reported that Cesspooch died at the crash scene.
Police also indicated that Cesspooch’s bike had become stuck underneath Abuanbar’s vehicle after the collision took place and that Abuanbar was spotted by witnesses dragging the bicycle a short distance before he pulled to the side of the road in an alleged effort to conceal it.
Arrest
An officer who had been patrolling the area attempted to pull Abuanbar over, but Abuanbar allegedly fled the police vehicle, starting a pursuit on southbound State Highway 70 that exceeded speeds of over 70 miles per hour. Abuanbar was eventually arrested near the intersection of Hilgers and Pacific Heights roads and booked into the Butte County Jail where he remains in custody.
Trial Scheduled
Abuanbar has entered a not guilty plea for all charges related to the accident and has been scheduled to appear before court for a pretrial hearing on March 29, 2018. Abuanbar had previously been scheduled to appear in court on December 11, 2017, after he turned down a deal offered by prosecutors.
DUI and Wrongful Death
It’s a sad situation that DUI collisions cause almost one-third of auto accident fatalities in the United States. However, those who’ve lost loved ones are usually able to hold drunk drivers financially responsible for the damages they have caused. Because drunk drivers are considered to be operating their vehicles negligently under California law, family members and dependents of the deceased can seek recompense from them for various losses including loss of consortium, loss of parental guidance, loss of income, and more.
More by Ed Smith, Oroville Personal Injury Lawyer
- Oroville Authorities Seek Public’s Help in Hit-and-Run Investigation
- Understanding Injury Attorneys
- Chico Motorcycle Driver Dies in Oroville Accident
Oroville Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Oroville personal injury lawyer. Life-changing or fatal injuries often result from auto accidents. If you have been in an injury crash, reach out to me through AutoAccident.com or by calling either (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-540 to get friendly advice that is free of charge.
For 35 years, Oroville area residents with personal injury and wrongful death cases have trusted my legal assistance with obtaining the money they justly deserve.
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