Last Updated on February 3, 2021 by CCAR Staff
A man authorities say fled a fatal hit-and-run crash in the Sugarloaf area of Big Bear City was charged with driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter on Tuesday, Feb. 2.
Christopher Michael Gardner, 46, of Sugarloaf was charged in San Bernardino County Superior Court with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated along with two enhancements of causing bodily harm or death.
Additionally, Gardner was charged with fleeing the scene of a crime, hit-and-run resulting in death or injury, two counts of DUI as well as a misdemeanor vehicle violation.
Gardner has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
On Sunday, Gardner was driving a Toyota Highlander and collided with three pedestrians at 6:01 p.m. who were walking westbound on Barton Lane, east of Holmes Lane, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The victims included a 30-year-old woman from Long Beach, a 22-year-old man from Henderson, Nevada, and a 29-year-old man from Long Beach.
The Long Beach woman, Patricia Irene Merhab, died at the scene and the other two victims sustained minor injuries, the CHP said.
Gardner was arrested by the CHP at 10:37 p.m. in Sugarloaf, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Bail was set at $250,000.
Any witnesses to the traffic collision or events prior to the collision were asked to contact the Arrowhead Area CHP office at 909-867-2791.
Staff Writer Brian Rokos contributed to this report.
