Driver arrested in fatal hit-and-run crash

ARCATA, CA. – The driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a Hoopa man turns himself into law enforcement.

33-year-old Benjamin Shermis of Arcata went to the CHP Arcata office with his attorney at about 6:30 Friday evening.

The CHP said Shermis admitted he was the driver that struck and killed 34-year-old Richard Brandon Freeman.

It happened just before 9 Thursday night on Highway 101, at the SR-200 Interchange.

Shermis was arrested for felony hit-and-run and was booked into the Humboldt County Jail.

Freeman, who was in the roadway when he was struck died at the scene.

Anyone with more information about the accident should call the Humboldt area CHP at (707) 822-5981.