Last night at approximately 7:45., California Highway Patrol officers and Mendocino County Sheriff deputies were seen near the 24000 block of Lilac Road in Brooktrails towing a silver sedan that witnesses say matched the description of a silver 2018-2020 Hyundai Accent sought for its involvement with a fatal hit and run that occurred early Friday morning.
Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Captain Greg Van Patten confirmed that deputies were in Brooktrails “assisting CHP with their investigation into that fatal hit and run case.”
41-year-old Fort Bragg man Paul Brown passed away as a result of the hit-and-run. Speaking to his sister Carrie Callan on Friday morning, she described her brother’s passing as “horrible and shocking.”
As per a press release from CHP Garberville office, the hit and run occurred at 1:20 a.m. after a 2018-2020 silver Hyundai Accent crossed over a double yellow line striking Brown who was walking on the shoulder.
Brooktrails resident Theo Vincent Corcoran told us he was driving and stumbled upon the 24000 block of Lilac Road where he photographed a silver sedan loaded up on an All-in-One tow truck with numerous MCSO and CHP vehicles parked on the road.
Another Brooktrails resident told us they saw a tow truck and vehicle being escorted down Sherwood Road towards Willits by law enforcement. They noticed the front end of the vehicle was damaged including the front headlight and corner of the bumper. It should be noted the eyewitness had a quick glance at the vehicle while driving by. They also told us there was evidence tape on the vehicle.
This last resident’s sighting matches the description of the damage CHP provided in Friday morning’s press release: “The silver, 2018-2020 Hyundai Accent sustained left front damage as a result of this traffic collision. The damage includes the left headlight assembly and the front bumper.”
We have contacted the CHP Garberville office for information regarding their officers’ presence at Lilac Road, but as of publication have yet to be provided with more information.
As of Friday morning’s press release, CHP Garberville requests if “anyone has any information which could lead to the location of the silver, 2018-2020 Hyundai Accent or to the identity of the driver please contact the CHP Garberville area at (707) 923-2155 or at the Humboldt Communications Center at (707) 268-2000.”
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