Driver Dodges Manslaughter Charges

Man on the road near mountain

Walking down the middle of the road can be dangerous, particularly if it is a busy road. Dangers increase, especially at night. When it comes to pedestrian versus vehicle, the pedestrian almost always ends up on the losing end.

A woman from Laytonville, California was driving near Ukiah on Wednesday night when she struck and killed a man walking in the road.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 2nd. 48-year old Catherine Higgs was driving her 2004 Infiniti near Talmage Road. This is when she came across a man previous motorists had called in to report walking in the road and not moving for traffic. Higgs struck the man, who died at the scene.

Responding authorities determined that Higgs was under the influence of an unspecified drug. She was booked into the Mendocino County Jail. She faces misdemeanor charges of DUI and driving on a suspended or revoked license.

Officer Kyler Adams reported that Higgs was not responsible for the man’s death, despite her impairment. The cause of the accident was deemed to have been the pedestrian’s fault. This is because it is a dark stretch of road and no one would expect a pedestrian to be walking there.

According to media reports, Higgs has been booked for DUI two previous times in two years. It is not clear if this was the reason for her suspended license.

If you have been charged with DUI, it is imperative that you obtain legal counsel. You will want an attorney who is familiar with DUI cases. Our attorneys specialize in DUI defense. Contact us today.

Related Frequently Asked Questions