Driver could face charges in Yuba County crash

A single-car accident last Wednesday on Highway 70 in Yuba County appears likely to lead to charges against the driver, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The driver, Lao Vang, 33, of Sacramento, had a suspended license at the time he went off the east side of the highway near Erle Road and crashed into a eucalyptus tree, the CHP said.

The CHP also said the 1996 Honda Civic that Vang was driving with four passengers had been reported stolen in the Sacramento area, said CHP Sgt. Michael McCarthy.

Vang could face charges in Yuba County of driving on a suspended license and possession of a stolen vehicle, according to the CHP.

All five people, including Vang, were taken to area hospitals after the accident, with all of them having been released, McCarthy said.

All were from either Sacramento or Oroville, and three were minors.

A CHP investigation of the accident showed Vang was headed north on Highway 70 when he drove off the highway just before the Erle Road overcrossing.

The accident closed one lane of northbound Highway 70 for about 45 minutes.

CONTACT Ben van der Meer at bvandermeer@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4786. Find him on Facebook at /ADbvandermeer or on Twitter at @ADbvandermeer.