By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
CHP says driver in fatal crash was Manteca man
Placeholder Image
The California Highway Patrol Wednesday said Wyatt Wheeler, 18, of Manteca was the driver in the fatal crash that occurred Friday night on the 120 Bypass.The Bulletin erroneously reported the time and day of the fatal accident that followed a street racing incident. It occurred shortly before 10 p.m. Friday.Julie Higgenbothom — mother of 18-year-old Robert James Karbowski who was the passenger killed in the vehicle driven by Wheeler — disputed the Manteca Police version of the incident contending a police vehicle bumped the car her son was in causing the accident. Information released so far by the California Highway Patrol confirms Manteca Police accounts that the driver for “unknown reasons” veered across the center divider on the 120 Bypass and crashed into a 2007 Toyota.Manteca Police Sgt. Gregg Beall called off his pursuit when he followed the 2009 Ford Crown Victoria westbound onto Highway 120 because of the “reckless” nature of the chase.Beall was nowhere near the fleeing car and had actually lost sight of the vehicle.