Tuttletown, CA…On September 17, 2019 at approximately 5:55 am, 42-year-old Damian Riley of Columbia, and his passenger, 33-year-old, Andrea Riley of Columbia were traveling northbound on State Route 49, south of the Stevenot Bridge at approximately 55-60 miles per hour in their 2017 Toyota Prius. Suddenly, a bear entered the roadway from the east shoulder in a northwesterly direction, directly in front of Mr. Riley’s vehicle. Mr. Riley applied the brakes but was unable to stop before the front of his vehicle struck the bear. After the collision with the bear, Mr. Riley pulled his vehicle to the right shoulder and the bear continued into the woods.

Both occupants in the vehicle sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene. The bear was unable to be located and California Fish and Wildlife were contacted. We would like to advise the community if you see the injured bear, DO NOT approach it and please contact CHP or California Fish and Wildlife. Alcohol and/or drugs are not determined to be Factor in this collision.