Fatal crash in Caspar leads to murder charges,
CASPAR » A shooting in Fort Bragg led to a highspeed car chase and fatal crash in Caspar, Dec. 24, reported the California Highway Patrol in a recent press release.
Officers were called to the scene in Caspar shortly after 5:40 a.m., on the 15000 block of Caspar Road, near the Pacifica Drive intersection. A 1994 Honda 650 motorcycle being driven by Mark Hutchison, of Willits, had collided with a 2003 Chevrolet pickup truck driven by Shayne Wrede, of Fort Bragg.
CHP reported that Hutchison died at the scene from injuries related to the crash.
Earlier in the day, Wrede had reported he was the victim of a shooting at an appartment complex on South Street in Fort Bragg, and police also learned Wrede was on parole with the county. Following the shooting, Hutchinson and Wrede chased each other through Fort Bragg and the unincorporated parts of Fort Bragg to the south of the city, reaching speeds of up to 90 miles per hour, reported deputies.
The two drivers continued south onto Caspar Road, where the crash occured. Investigators with CHP’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team stationed in Redding were requested to respond and assist.
After speaking with eye witnesses and reviewing surveillance video, Sheriff’s Detectives have alleged that Wrede intentionally caused the traffic collision by striking Hutchinson’s motorcycle with his truck while speeding.
Wrede was arrested for murder and the violation of his post-release community supervision. He was booked into the Mendocino County Jail where he is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.
Sheriff’s Detectives are continuing to follow-up on information and are asking for the public’s help. The Sheriff’s Department is requesting anyone with information related to the shooting incident on South Street in Fort Bragg and the subsequent vehicle chase involving a motorcycle and dark- colored pickup truck or the reported traffic collision on Caspar Road to call the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Tip-Line at (707) 2342100.
Specifically, any residences or businesses with surveillance video facing US Highway 1 between Walnut Street and continuing south to Caspar Road are asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office. The time frame requested is from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Dec. 24.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Highway Patrol Investigator — Northern Division Investigative Unit, the Fort Bragg Police Department, Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office and the CHP Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team for their assistance.