Sonora, CA…On November 18, 2017 at approximately 2352 hours, Michael A. Newton of Twain Harte was driving a black 2009 Ford Crown Victoria northbound on State Route 49 south of Jack Page Road. Theodore J. Phelan of Sonora was driving a white 1992 Jeep Cherokee southbound on State Route 49 approaching Jack Page Road. Due to his high level of alcohol intoxication, Mr. Phelan crossed the double yellow lines and drove wrong-way into the northbound lane. Mr. Newton noticed the Jeep crossing into his lane so he slowed and moved his vehicle to the right shoulder. The Jeep continued across the northbound lane and collided with the Ford on the east shoulder of State Route 49 just south of Jack Page Road.

Mr. Newton was treated on scene for minor injuries. Mr. Phelan was taken to Adventist Health Sonora for minor injuries before being booked into the Tuolumne County Jail.