The man who was killed in Sunday’s flooding was told to stop, but he drove past a police barricade before he became trapped by rising waters, according to Redding police.
Southbound lanes of Highway 273 at Wyndham Lane were closed late Sunday afternoon due to flooding on a portion of the highway that goes under the railroad tracks.
Two police cadets were stationed at the closure and there was a marked Redding Police Department pickup with flashing emergency lights positioned there, too, police said.
“While most motorists complied with the closure, a 74‑year‑old Redding man driving a Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck bypassed the barricades and drove past the cadets despite their attempts to stop him. The driver continued southbound into the flooded roadway, where his vehicle became submerged and rapidly filled with water,” the Redding Police Department said in a news release posted on its Facebook page.
The Shasta County Coroner’s Office on Monday, Dec. 22 identified the man who died as Richard Michael Wilsey, 74, of Redding.
Wilsey called 911 to report he was trapped inside his truck and unable to get out, police said.
Police and firefighters arrived around 5 p.m. Sunday. Officer Darren Hull used a personal floating device and swam to the truck where he was able to get Wilsey out of the vehicle, police said.
“Several additional officers entered the water to assist by deploying a water rescue throw bag, and the man was brought to shore on Railroad Avenue. Redding Fire personnel and emergency medical personnel immediately initiated life‑saving measures,” Redding police said.
Wilsey was taken to Shasta Regional Medical Center where he later died, authorities said.
No officers were injured.
There is a potential for more flooding and more road closures with more rain expected throughout the week.
Shasta County Sheriff Michael Johnson has declared a local State of Emergency due the weekend flooding.
“Declaring a State of Emergency allows the California State Office of Emergency Services (OES) and allied agencies to mobilize and assist the county with road conditions, search and rescue operations, and hazard mitigation, if necessary,” Johnson said in a news release.
Authorities are urging residents to obey road closure signs and follow directions from law enforcement and other emergency personnel.
“Driving into flooded areas places both motorists and first responders at significant risk. Please remember: Turn around—don’t risk it,” Redding police said.
David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly “Buzz on the Street” column. He’s part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Redding man killed in flooding drove around roadblock, police say
Reporting by David Benda, Redding Record Searchlight / Redding Record Searchlight
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