Pedestrian killed by suspected drunk driver in Eureka

EUREKA, CA. – A man is dead after he was struck by an SUV and alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.

Just before 6PM Thursday, emergency crews responded to the intersection of Harris and Prospect Avenue in front of the Eureka Mall.

A pedestrian, identified as 71-year-old Dwight Stephen Davis, was hit by a Dodge Durango traveling northbound on Harris Street.

The victim, commonly referred to as “Dirty Dave” in the community, was transported to St. Joseph Hospital where he later died.

The driver, 61-year-old Gary Joel Cudney, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Humboldt County Jail on charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence, and is being held on $100,000 bail.

FROM EUREKA POLICE:

On 12-14-2017 at about 5:51 pm, officers of the Eureka Police Department were dispatched to the 600 block of W. Harris Street for a vehicle versus pedestrian injury traffic collision.

The pedestrian was transported by City Ambulance to St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment of his injuries and died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The driver of the involved vehicle, identified as Gary Joel Cudney (61 years old of Eureka), was contacted and exhibited objective signs of being under the influence.

As a result of the investigation, Cudney was taken into custody and booked on charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence. He is being held on $100,000 bail.

The pedestrian’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Humboldt County Coroner’s office.

This is an ongoing investigation and any further details will be released when they are available. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Officer Linfoot at 707-441-4060.