Early morning collisions impact various roads in Fallbrook

*Story was revised on June 1, 10:30 a.m., to reflect correct information regarding Gary Beck. The Village News apologizes for any confusion.

A three-car collision on South Mission and a car running into a restaurant on Reche Road clogged two main arteries feeding in and out of Fallbrook earlier this morning (Tues., May 31).

According to California Highway Patrol public information officer Chris Parent, the collision on South Mission occurred at approximately 6:36 a.m., just south of Heller’s Bend near the old Cask ‘n’ Cleaver building.

Parent stated that a silver-colored Toyota Tundra pickup, driven by 21-year-old Gary Beck, was traveling northbound on South Mission when Beck tried to pass another car and headed into the southbound lane on South Mission Road into oncoming traffic. The Toyota ran into a red Dodge Ram pickup, which was being driven by Olegario Bautista, an undocumented illegal alien who is approximately 25 years old.

A red GMC Jimmy rammed into the head on collision, separating the two cars that had hit head-on.

" and his passenger took off from the scene on foot," said Parent. "What is interesting is that the registered owner of the Ram arrived on scene and gave us the information on ."

The collision caused substantial damage to the vehicles, which led to the closure of the roadway. Traffic was turned around in both directions as emergency crews dealt with debris at the scene.

Beck was transported to Palomar Hospital with moderate injuries, and the driver of the Jimmy had complaints of chest pain and other minor injuries.

"The road was closed for approximately two hours," said Parent. "It was a chaotic scene with one officer responding to three vehicles in the roadway."

The second crash took place at approximately 7:38 a.m. on Reche Road just east of South Live Oak Park Road.

According to Parent, a Chevrolet Cobalt was being driven eastbound by a female, whose name has not yet been released.

"She let the vehicle drift onto the shoulder, and she lost control and ran the car into a pole on the patio area of the El Parque restaurant," said Parent. "There were no injuries reported, just property damage."

(previous version, Tues., May 31, 8:20 a.m.)

Early morning crashes snarl traffic in Fallbrook area

Debbie Ramsey

Managing Editor

Two vehicle accidents have caused morning traffic woes in the Fallbrook area.

The first crash took place at approximately 6:31 a.m. on South Mission Road just south of Heller's Bend near the old Valley Fort/Cask n Cleaver site.

According to information from the California Highway Patrol, a head-on collision took place between two vehicles, causing substantial damage that led to the closure of the roadway. Traffic was turned around in both directions as emergency crews dealt with debris at the scene.

An early report showed the incident involved two solo drivers. One 21-year-old male sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to the hospital.

The other driver fled the scene of the accident on foot. He was described as wearing a white t-shirt and jeans.

As of 8:20 a.m. South Mission Road is still closed.

The second crash took place at approximately 7:38 a.m. on Reche Road just east of South Live Oak Park Road. The incident appears to have involved one vehicle. According to CHP information, the vehicle was swerving on the roadway before striking objects on the property of a restaurant and subsequently crashing.

No further information is available at this time on either situation. Watch this site as more details become available.