Overview
- Authorities say Ramon Meza-Sesma tried to drive a Toyota Camry through the flooded Tres Pinos Creek crossing on Browns Valley Road.
- He and passenger Wiliam Cesar Colaj Son exited the submerged car and were separated in swift water; Colaj Son was found dead about a mile downstream.
- Responders first located the empty vehicle on Feb. 17; the next morning Meza-Sesma reached Paicines Ranch disoriented with hypothermia and was taken to Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.
- After he provided a statement, the Sheriff’s Office arrested and booked him on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter, saying the case remains under active investigation.
- Officials are examining whether alcohol, drugs or foul play contributed, and firefighters urged drivers to heed “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” warnings during flood conditions.