A motorcyclist suspected of losing his passenger in a drunk-driving accident Saturday on Highway 49 and then denying he was the driver was arrested on felony charges, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Jack A. Stamback, 30, of Grass Valley, was booked into the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility on suspicion of driving under the influence and causing bodily injury; hit and run, causing injury; and driving with a suspended license, according to his booking sheet. His bail is $25,800.
At 8:45 p.m. on Highway 49 north of Allison Ranch Road, Stamback was northbound on a 1986 Harley-Davidson and had Alayna Rowe, 39, of Grass Valley as a passenger, CHP Officer David Qualls said.
A car ahead of Stamback swerved into the right shoulder to avoid folding tables that had spilled onto the road, and Stamback struck the car after it swerved back onto the road, Qualls said.
The impact caused Rowe to fall off and Stamback's motorcycle to go off the left side of the road, into bushes at Nevada County Consolidated Fire District Station 88, Qualls said.
Rowe, who was wearing a helmet, went by helicopter to Sutter Roseville Medical Center with a concussion, Qualls said. She also suffered a broken arm and wrist, according to Consolidated Capt. Jerry Funk. She was in good condition Monday, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Stamback was at the scene wearing motorcycle clothing, and the motorcycle belonged to him, but he denied any involvement in the wipeout, Qualls said.
Back to NCCFD in the Newspaper