Zakarius Brown Dies, Jonathan Ratta Arrested in DUI Crash on Highway 99 [Galt, CA]

40-Year-Old Zakarius Brown Deceased on Highway 99 DUI Crash

 
Galt, CA (February 13, 2021) – On Thursday, 40-year-old Zakarius Brown died, while police arrested 28-year-old Jonathan Ratta of Lathrop, in a deadly DUI crash on Highway 99.
 
The fatal car crash happened shortly before 10:30 p.m. north of the Central Galt exit ramp.
 
The CHP said Ratta was driving the white BMW at a speed of about 80 to 90 mph during heavy rainfall when his vehicle struck a center divider. The BMW skidded sideways and crossed both northbound lanes in a northeasterly direction.
 
Afterward, the BMW went off the east side of the highway and up an embankment. Then, the vehicle’s front passenger door struck a large tree.
 
The crash impact caused a major intrusion into the BMW, and it flipped at least once.
 
Finally, the vehicle rested on its roof in the dirt-and-grass area north of C Street.
 
Unfortunately, medics pronounced Brown dead at the scene. Officers said he was not wearing a seatbelt during the accident.
 
Similarly, a 27-year-old man from Lexington Hills, NC, was also a passenger in the BMW sedan that crashed. He sustained minor injuries and remained at the crash scene. Rescuers took him by ambulance to Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center.
 
Meanwhile, Ratta left the crash scene and was apprehended by Galt Police Department officers about 100 yards away.
 
Authorities arrested Ratta on suspicion of driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Ratta was booked at the Sacramento County Main Jail.
 
Moreover, police found in the wrecked BMW a loaded Polymer 80 pistol, which is a Glock 19 clone. They also found a high-capacity magazine for 30 bullets. The gun did not have a serial number.

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Sweet Lawyers extends our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Zakarius Brown. Our hearts are with you through these difficult times.

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The Aftermath of a Fatal Vehicle Crash

 
While the loss of a dear one is irreversible, it is in the best interest of your family to be aware of what to do next.
 
Therefore, the family of the victims should know they may have the authority to file a wrongful death suit. This can be the most beneficial step towards recovery.
 
Filing a claim will help alleviate the financial burden the death of a relative has generated.
 
Additionally, having legal representation after such a traumatic event will provide your families with the space to heal.
 
“Our goal is to safeguard the legal rights of families in the wake of catastrophic accidents. Insurance companies only protect their interests, which is why we protect those of our clients. Our firm works tirelessly to ensure that the people we work for are granted the highest restitution possible,” says Mark Sweet, an award-winning attorney at Sweet Lawyers.
 
Ultimately, call Sweet Lawyers if you have lost a family member in a similar vehicular accident. We house wrongful death attorneys who are skilled in handling delicate cases. Moreover, with 44 years of experience in the field, we know how to tackle your case from all angles. Allow our team to fight for the justice and maximum compensation you and your family deserve. For more information, call us today at (800) 674 7854 for a free case evaluation.
 
Similarly, you can always reach us through a text message or an e-mail. Our team would be glad to assist you with your legal concerns.