MOTORCYCLIST ARRESTED FOR FLEEING SCENE OF OCT. 31 FATALITY CRASH IN LA MESA
By Miriam Raftery
Photo: Therese Clouthier, via a GoFundMe page set up to help her daughter
November 30, 2019 (La Mesa) – A motorcyclist who fled the scene of a fatal crash that killed Theresa Clouthier, one of his passengers, in La Mesa on October 31st has been arrested. Chad Paul Tucker, 44, was taken into custody on November 26 on charges of manslaughter with gross negligence and felony hit and run.
California Highway Patrol officers responded to the crash on the Severin Drive onramp to I-8 west at 11:19 p.m. on Halloween night. “It was reported that three occupants were riding on a black 2007 Harley Davidson Sportster at a high rate of speed when the collision occurred,” says Officer Travis Garrow.”
Tucker lost control and all three riders on the motorcycle were ejected. Clouthier, 38, from El Cajon was not wearing a helmet and died at the scene.
“The two other occupants, Chad Paul Tucker and a female remained at the collision scene briefly but fled the scene on foot prior to law enforcement arrival,” Officer Garrow states.
After his arrest, Tucker was transported to the county jail, where he is being held on a one-million dollar bail.
Photo: Shutterstock
Nina Ocano, a friend of Clouthier’s, has set up a Go Fund Me page for Clouthier’s daughter, Tiana.
“These funds will help her as she continues to make her way through college, something Theresa helped her with and wanted so much for her,” Ocano states.
On the Go Fund Me page, Ocana remembers Clouthier as “vibrant and full of life with the most amazing, incredibly infectious laugh. Anyone who knew her, knew how lucky they were to have known her. Theresa loved the beach, she loved lobster, she loved shopping and she loved her family and friends. “
Clouthier worked at J&B Materials in El Cajon for seven years, according to Ocana. “Theresa was amazing at her job and she loved it. Her friends /coworkers, customers and vendors will miss her lively spirit.”