KCRA Sacramento reports that the Vice Principal at George Komure Elementary School has been arrested on the charges of vehicular manslaughter and two DUI-related charges.
A spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol said in a statement that the crash happened on Saturday, August 5, in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 near March Lane when Hollis Blake struck an SUV with his vehicle. The impact forced the SUV into the center divider.
CHP officers and paramedics arrived at the scene of the crash. Despite all life-saving efforts by emergency personnel, one of the SUV passengers died at the crash scene.
An unspecified number of additional passengers in the SUV were taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Blake, who was uninjured in the crash, was arrested on suspicion of intoxicated driving and vehicular manslaughter. A judge has set Blake’s bond at $ 1.25 million. He is due to appear in court on Tuesday, August 8.
Blake has worked for the Manteca Unified School District for approximately two years. On Monday, the district released a statement.
“Our sympathy and condolences are with the families of those impacted by this terrible incident. We understand that this news might elicit a range of concerns and emotions among the school community,” the statement said. “In consideration of this, George Komure Elementary School has on-campus counseling services.”
According to school officials, Blake has been placed on paid administrative leave pending further investigation. He is prohibited from entering any district property or communicating with staff, students or community in his capacity as an educator.
