By Larry Judkins
Glenn County Observer
A reader of The Observer recently contacted this reporter, asking if there had been any “follow-up reporting and outcome from the story in The Glenn County Observer, about the female US Forest Service officer that was involved in the DUI and motor vehicle collision on 11/4/2022 on I-5.”
First, a review is in order. As The Observer reported on November 8, 2022:
“A U.S. Forest Service officer was arrested for allegedly driving while under the influence after she collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer on Interstate 5 on Friday, Nov. 4.
“According to Officer Barone of the California Highway Patrol, at about 3:27 p.m., Chelisa Chemayne Rodriguez, 31, of Shasta Lake, was driving a 2019 Chevy Silverado south on Interstate 5, south of County Road 3, at a high rate of speed.
“The Chevy driven by Rodriguez collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer. The force of the collision caused debris to cover both lanes of traffic.
“The driver’s name and make of the tractor are not mentioned in the CHP’s news release.
“After the impact, the Chevy turned to the right and came to rest off the roadway. The Chevy sustained major damage to its front end.
“Southbound I-5 was reduced to one lane of traffic for about 90 minutes.
“According to the CHP Traffic website, at 3:43 p.m., responders were warned of a firearm in ‘the vehicle.’ Presumably, this vehicle was the Chevy, and the weapon belonged to Rodriguez.
“Rodriguez sustained minor injuries in the collision and was transported to Glenn Medical Center for treatment. She was wearing her seatbelts at the time of the accident.
“She was later booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors).
“Her bail was set at $10,000.”
According to Glenn County Superior Court records, Rodriguez was also charged with two enhancements or special allegations, both violations of California Vehicle Code 23578: driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 or greater, and refusing to take a chemical test.
She was released on her own recognizance.
With Judge Donald Cole Byrd presiding, she was arraigned on April 11, 2023.
On November 21, 2023, she pled not guilty to the two main DUI charges, and denied the two special allegations.
Also on November 21, 2023, she was given an order granting pretrial military diversion, which, according to California state law, is a court document that allows a defendant, typically a veteran or current military member, to participate in a special pretrial diversion program where criminal proceedings are postponed while he or she receives treatment for conditions related to his or her military service, instead of immediately facing trial.
This option is usually available for misdemeanor offenses and requires demonstrating that the defendant’s military experience contributed to his or her alleged crime, allowing the defendant to potentially avoid a conviction if he or she successfully completes the treatment program.
Also on this date, a motion to seal the record was granted.
The diversion was reviewed on November 19, 2024. The charges and case were dismissed that same day.
The identity of the truck driver and his or her condition following the collision were never released to the public.
The Glenn County Observer 