PRESS RELEASE- Fatal DUI Collision UPDATE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date: December 15, 2023
***UPDATE***
On 12/14/2023, the Butte County District Attorney’s Office issued a warrant for the arrest of Magalia resident James Slack for violation of 191.5(a) PC (Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while Intoxicated). The warrant was issued after the results of a toxicology report and further follow-up investigation conducted by the Paradise Police Department. Slack was involved in a fatal DUI collision in Paradise on 9/10/2023, which resulted in the death of 83-year-old Magalia resident Josine Clara Brown.
On above date at approximately 4:28 PM Paradise Police officers responded to the home of James Slack in Magalia where he was taken into custody without incident. Slack was booked into Butte County Jail with bail set at $150,000.00
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On 9/10/2023 at about 4:43 PM Paradise officers responded to the 9000 block of Skyway for a report of an injury collision. Upon arrival, two vehicles were located blocking both lanes of traffic resulting in the closure of Skyway for approximately two hours.
The investigation determined that 47-year-old Magalia resident, James Slack, was driving east on Skyway and drifted into the oncoming lane where he collided head-on with an 83-year-old female Paradise resident. Both drivers suffered severe injury in the collision and were taken to a local area hospital. During the investigation, officers learned Slack had been watching football and drinking prior to the collision. Based on this information officers responded to the hospital and placed Slack under arrest on suspicion of a felony violation of Driving Under the Influence, Causing Great Bodily Injury (23153(a) VC). Due to his injuries Slack could not be booked into jail and was released back to the hospital for further medical treatment.
On 9/10/2023 at approximately 9:30 PM the 83-year-old female victim succumbed to her injuries sustained from the collision and was pronounced deceased. As a result of her death, this investigation will be sent to the Butte County District Attorney seeking prosecution of James Slack for an additional felony violation of Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while intoxicated (191.5 PC).
The Paradise Police Department would like to extend our condolences to the family of the deceased and would like to remind the public not to drink and drive. Consuming alcohol and driving leads to tragic events such as this and changes lives forever. If you are going to be out drinking please find a designated driver, use a Ride Service or Taxi, and drink responsibly.
“Alcohol affects more than just you”.
LOCATION: 9000 Block of Skyway
SUSPECT(S): James Slack
INVESTIGATING OFFICER: Sgt R. Nichols
APPROVING SUPERVISOR: Sgt R. Nichols
