CHP Looking For Driver Who Fled Fatal Head-On Collision Near La Honda

LA HONDA - The California Highway Patrol is looking for a driver who fled the scene of a fatal head-on collision on state Highway 84 Sunday evening in unincorporated San Mateo County.

Investigators think the male driver may have suffered significant injuries because a large amount of blood was found at the scene of the collision, CHP spokesman Officer Art Montiel said.

The collision was initially reported at 6:57 p.m. Sunday on Highway 84 near Sylvan Way near the community of La Honda, according to the CHP.

Investigators believe a 1992 Honda was traveling east on the highway when a 2001 Ford F-250 pickup truck traveling north crossed the double yellow lines into the eastbound lane, causing the two vehicles collided, CHP officials said.

The Ford overturned, but the driver was able to get out of the truck and flee the scene by running into the woods, according to witnesses.

The driver of the Honda died. He has been identified by the San Mateo County's coroner's office as 46-year-old Francois Jouaux of Redwood City.

Investigators have not determined what caused the collision, but they believe the driver of the Ford may have been under the influence of alcohol, based on witness accounts, Montiel said.

No description of the suspect was immediately available.

Anyone with information about the driver of the Ford is being asked to call Officer Jason Thinnes at (650) 369-6261.

-Bay City News, image via ShutterStock