On Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at approximately 7:05 AM, officers from the Redding Police Department responded to the area of Placer Street near Magnolia Street for a reported traffic collision.
Upon arrival officers contacted Joseph Merkel (16 years old, of Redding) who stated he was driving his vehicle (2000 Toyota Camry) eastbound on Placer Street when he lost control of his vehicle and struck the south curb. Merkel’s vehicle continued beyond the curb, striking a tree and power pole. As the vehicle careened off the power pole it struck another eastbound vehicle (2010 Jaguar) driven by Douglas Carter (45 years old, of Redding). During the collision Merkel’s vehicle overturned and came to rest on its roof.
Fortunately there were no injuries as a result of the collision and alcohol/drugs were not a factor. The power pole was damaged leaving hot wires hanging from nearby trees. Placer Street had to be shut down in both directions to allow for Redding Electric Utility to repair the down lines.
