Motorcyclist killed on Highway 65; Beale reservist arrested

A reservist airman from Beale Air Force Base was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter following a deadly collision with a motorcycle on Highway 65 just south of Wheatland.

Joshua P. Christensen, 26, of Raleigh, NC, was booked into the Yuba County Jail on $50,000 bail, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP did not release the name of the motorcyclist killed, but said he was a 55-year-old man from Culver City.

CHP Officer Amber Pinesak said Christensen was arrested for driving negligently.

"He drove into the opposing lane and killed someone," Pinesak said.

Drugs and alcohol are not suspected factors in the crash, Pinesak said, but have not been ruled out.

"Nothing will be ruled out until further investigation is completed," she said.

Christensen was driving a 2003 Dodge Ram pickup truck at 7:29 a.m. north on Highway 65, traveling about 55 mph, when he crossed into the southbound land and stuck the rider of the 2008 Suzuki motorcycle head-on, causing deadly injuries near State Street, the CHP said.

The road is a two-lane highway with no passing lanes. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

Christensen was treated for minor head and chest pain at Rideout Regional Medical Center before he was taken to jail, Pinesak said.

Spokeswoman Dana Lineback confirmed Christensen is a reservist with the 940th Security Forces Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, but could not comment further.

Christensen was no long in custody Thursday afternoon.

CONTACT Rob Parsons at rparsons@appealdemocrat.comor 749-4785.Find him on Facebook at /ADcrimebeat or on Twitter at @ADcrimebeat.