Authorities in California say a 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of throwing a stolen tripod onto Interstate 5 in Sacramento, causing the death of a passenger in the van it struck.
According to the Sacramento Bee, the projectile smashed through the vehicle’s windshield on Thursday morning and struck a veteran riding in the front passenger seat.
A nonprofit organization based in Placerville has confirmed the van was one of its vehicles.. Military Family Support Group provides assistance to area veterans.
The driver, a volunteer, was not injured in the incident. Reports indicate the passenger was transported to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries including a partially collapsed lung and broken ribs.
Police were able to track down the suspect later the same day. As of the latest updates available, he had not been publicly identified but was described as a transient.
Reports show authorities identified the subject via surveillance video near the scene of the incident about three hours later. He allegedly tried to evade officers on foot and struggled after they caught him, but was subsequently taken into custody.
He was arrested and booked into Sacramento County jail with reports indicating he is expected to face criminal charges including resisting an officer and an existing arrest warrant.
An investigation is still underway, which could result in a felony count of attempted murder, according to officials.
[Featured image: California Highway Patrol South Sacramento]
