GRASS VALLEY, CA - Woman Killed in High-Speed Crash on Highway 49 at Lime Kiln Road

Joaquin Pinto Arrested in Deadly Crash on Highway 49 in Grass Valley

GRASS VALLEY, CA (March 21, 2019) – A woman was killed following a high-speed crash Thursday evening in Grass Valley, CHP officials said.

The fatal crash happened just after 9:00 p.m. on Highway 49 at Lime Kiln Road near Alta Sierra Drive.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a silver 2006 Honda Civic was heading northbound on Highway 49 at a very high rate of speed when it skid off the road and struck a tree into an embankment.

Officers arrived at the scene and located the seriously damaged Honda overturned amid heavy brush about 40 feet down the embankment.

The front passenger of the car, a 38-year-old woman who was not wearing a seat belt, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, a 28-year-old Joaquin Lopez Pinto of Auburn, only sustained minor injuries and was taken to Sutter Roseville Medical Center. He was determined to be grossly negligent based on the length of skid marks on the road. Upon discharge, he was arrested with felony vehicular manslaughter.

Pinto was booked and processed at the Nevada County Jail. His bail was set at $52,000 and he is in custody as of Friday.

Pinto did not have a registered driver’s license. Police identified the man via a representative from his native country.

The right lane of northbound Highway 49, just South of Lime Kiln Road was closed Thursday from 10:00 p.m. to 12:10 a.m. for the on-scene investigation.

We would like to share our comfort and well-wishes to the family and friends of the victim. At times like this, we hope they find peace and strength.

A deadly car accident can be a traumatic and agonizing experience. If you have a loved one who has been the victim of a car accident caused by a negligent driver, please contact The Sweet Law Group today to prosecute those who are at fault. Our legal firm has over 44 years of experience in diligently working with our clients, helping them receive both justice and maximum compensation. We understand the stress and confusion that many of our clients have after a terrible accident and will assist you in all areas of the law. Call our hotline at (800) 674 7852 for a free evaluation of your case details.