The Modoc County Vol. 132, No. 41
RECORD Alturas, California
January 2, 2025
$1.00
Serving Modoc Since 1892 12 Pages
Drunk Driver Crashes Truck Into Alturas Home, Arrested for DUI A drunk driver crashed into a parked truck, and later drove it into a home in a quiet Alturas neighborhood Saturday evening, leaving residents shaken just days before Christmas. The incident began around 7 p.m. when a local man started his Dodge pickup in his driveway and went inside. Moments later, a loud crash rang out, and witnesses reported seeing the truck destroyed and a man who appeared intoxicated continuing to crash into a home around the corner. The driver, identified by authorities as Jeffrey Vern Proctor Solomon, 34, of Alturas, allegedly swerved to avoid a Chevrolet Malibu before crashing into a home. Inside the home, 18-year-old and 10-yearold brothers were lying on a couch just feet from where the truck collided with the structure. The boys’ father, Nick Gensel, was attending a Christmas party when he received a call from his eldest son about the crash. “I couldn’t believe someone could
be so reckless,” Gensel said, adding that his children were lucky to escape unscathed. Solomon reportedly backed the truck out of the damaged home and drove it three doors down to his own residence, where he parked the vehicle and went inside, pretending nothing had happened, according to witnesses. Alturas Police Department were the first on scene and the California Highway Patrol responded after them to the scene. Officers followed tire tracks and grass shavings to Solomon’s home. Upon questioning him, they conducted a field sobriety test, which he failed. Solomon’s blood alcohol level registered more than three times the legal limit, according to Nick Gensel though he was unsure of the exact number. Solomon was arrested on suspicion of DUI and reckless driving. He was booked and later released on a signed promise to appear in court. The charges filed have drawn criticism from residents, including Gensel, who expressed frustration
that Soloman was not charged with hit-and-run or child endangerment. “I was shocked that hit-and-run and child endangerment weren’t part of the charges,” Gensel said. Under California law, child endangerment does not require that a child be physically harmed. According to the Shouse California Law Group, the law includes “intentionally placing a child under 18 in a situation that threatens their health and safety.” The incident highlights the potential dangers of drunk driving. While no injuries were reported, residents say the situation could have ended in tragedy. “Not only can you kill yourself, but you could kill multiple people along the way,” said one eyewitness. The investigation is ongoing. Officials urge residents to report suspected drunk drivers to law enforcement to prevent similar incidents. Modoc Record has reached out to the Alturas Police Department in hopes of more information but have not been contacted back.
Photos by Nick Gensel
Suspect Sought in Pages Market Burglary
Modoc County Sheriffs Office Facebook
The Modoc County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a recent burglary at Pages Market in Cedarville. The incident occurred on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at approximately 10:45 PM.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have information about this crime to come forward. If you have any details that could aid the investigation, please contact the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 233-4416. Be sure to
reference case number 24-0394 when providing information. Community support can make a critical difference in solving this case. Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.