Driver of the Pope Valley crash that killed six people is arrested and jailed
The driver of a van involved in a crash in Pope Valley Sunday that cost the lives of six passengers has been arrested and jailed on suspicion driving under the influence “causing injury and death,” according to the California Highway Patrol.
Norberto Celerino Villava, 53, of Stockton, was driving a Toyota Sienna minivan, southbound on Pope Valley Road, late Sunday afternoon when the vehicle struck a tree, according to the CHP. The crash, which occurred on a rural road dotted with vineyards, remains under investigation. The call for help arrived at 5:50 p.m.
Six passengers were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the CHP.
Celerino Villava and a passenger, whose name has not been disclosed, were airlifted to trauma centers with major injuries, authorities said.
Celerino Villava was then arrested and booked a little before 1 a.m. Monday into the Napa County Jail on suspicion of multiple felonies, according to the CHP and booking logs. He was being held on no bail.
Celerino Villava has yet to be charged. The Napa County District Attorney’s Office as of Monday morning had not yet received the case from the CHP, according to a spokesman for the office.
No information on the passengers’ identity was available, according to the Napa County Sheriff’s /Coroner’s Office.
The status of the seventh passenger was unknown Monday.
Pope Valley Road was closed to traffic until around 2 a.m. Monday between Howell Mountain Road and Ink Grade Road.
This is a developing story
