Driver charged in fatal crash that killed pregnant woman on Highway 99

TEHAMA COUNTY, Calif. – The driver involved in Tuesday’s fatal accident near Vina that killed a pregnant woman appeared in court on Thursday where several charges were filed against him, including manslaughter.

CHP said 43-year-old Andre Tucker of Chico was driving a 1997 Ford Expedition southbound on Highway 99 at a high rate of speed around 1:48 p.m. Tucker then lost control of his vehicle, entered the northbound lane and crashed into a 2015 Honda Accord driven by 56-year-old Mima Rodriguez of Gerber.

The Ford then spun out of control and crashed head-on into a 2012 Toyota Prius that was traveling northbound on the highway.

The driver of the Toyota was driven by a 22-year-old woman from Chico. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The Tehama County District Attorney (TCDA) said the victim was also pregnant at the time of her death.

Tucker was arrested and taken to Enloe Medical Center for medical clearance before being booked into the Tehama County Jail.

Rodriguez suffered minor injuries and was treated at Enloe Medical Center.

In court Thursday, Tucker was charged with two counts of aggravated vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, two counts of aggravated vehicular manslaughter and one count of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, with a special charge of aggravated assault and a second special charge. According to the TCDA, there are multiple victims.

The TCDA said that at the arraignment, Tucker’s defense attorney was appointed and his bond was set at “no bail.” He is scheduled to return to court on October 22nd.