Investigation revealed that Jamal Essayah, a 24 year old transient of the Redding area was hit by two vehicles while running in traffic on the Cypress Street Bridge. Involved drivers and multiple witnesses confirmed that Essayah jumped directly into the path of a RABA bus which was traveling east bound on Cypress Street over the Sacramento River Bridge.
After being struck by the bus, Essayah got up and ran east bound along the shoulder of the road for about 50 yards. Essayah again jumped into the path of a mini van being driven by Craig Nielsen, age 55 of Redding.
The mini van had been traveling east bound on the Cypress Street Bridge at the time of the collision. Essayah was severely injured and transported to Mercy Medical Center for treatment.
Essayah appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of this collision and intentionally jumped into the path of both vehicles. No other parties were injured as a result of this collision. Traffic Specialist Brian Moore responded and investigated both collisions. The east bound lanes of the Cypress Street Bridge were closed for about 1.5 hours to conduct this investigation. The roadway is now open. Any inquires should be directed to the Redding Police Department Traffic Unit.
Press release – Redding Police Department
