April 10, 2017 – The Mariposa CHP office reports on Sunday, April 9, 2017 at about 2:10 A.M. Samuel F. Patterson, 21, of Mariposa was driving a red 2000 Nissan Frontier southbound on Highway 49 south.

South of the intersection of Usona Road Mr. Patterson allowed his vehicle to cross into the north bound lane of the highway. Samuel Patterson made an abrupt turn to the right causing the Nissan to rotate and roll over. As the Nissan overturned it collided with multiple mailboxes. The Nissan came to a rest on its wheels on the west shoulder of the highway. He then exited the vehicle and fled the scene.

The truck caught fire but CAL FIRE and Mariposa County Fire personnel were able to extinguish the fire prior to it spreading.

Mr. Patterson was located at his residence and it was determined he had been driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision.

Samuel Patterson was booked into the Mariposa County Jail after being treated for cuts to the head and hand and then medically cleared by John C. Fremont hospital.
Source: CHP