CHP puts out vehicle fire, driver booked into county jail

Officers put out a vehicle fire and a Susanville man was booked into the Lassen County Jail for allegedly driving under the influence last week.

According to a statement from CHP-Susanville, at about 8:20 p.m. Friday,  June 25, CHP Area Dispatch notified officers of a possibly impaired driver, driving northbound on Highway 395 that was all over the roadway and driving into oncoming traffic, causing near-collisions.

Additionally, reports were that the vehicle, a pickup, was driving on a flat tire. As officers were responding, an additional report was that the vehicle was involved in a collision and was now on fire.

Upon arrival, the CHP officer located the vehicle on the shoulder of Highway 395, with fire coming from the front of the pickup. The CHP officer who arrived on scene was able to extinguish the flames under the hood with his fire extinguisher. The pickup also had a right rear wheel that had been ground down to the hub. The driver, Mathew Kimbriel, of Susanville, was standing next to the pickup.

According to the statement, Kimbriel was observed allegedly exhibiting the objective signs and symptoms of intoxication. The CHP officer performed a series of field sobriety questions and tests that Kimbriel reportedly failed, resulting in his arrest for the suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Per the statement, Kimbriel became confrontational, resistive and began threatening officers after being placed under arrest. Mr. Kimbriel was booked at Lassen County Jail.