An Anderson man was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter after the boat he was towing on Highway 273 struck a man who later died at the hospital Wednesday night, Redding police said.
Investigators said Stewart Helmer, 63, was driving his SUV and pulling a boat south on Highway 273 near Breslauer Way around 10:45 p.m.
Helmer was in the right lane when he saw a person on the west side of the road near the fog line and swerved to avoid a collision, police said. Helmer’s boat struck the man, who sustained major injuries and later died at Mercy Medical Center, investigators said.
After hitting the man, Helmer pulled over to check on his condition before calling 911, investigators said.
Police said Helmer showed signs of being intoxicated and was eventually arrested and taken to the Shasta County Jail.
Police have not released the identity of the victim.
