Officials investigate the scene of the accident Thursday evening on Highway 431 north of Lake Tahoe.
NCLINE VILLAGE — One person is dead and three others were seriously injured in an early evening New Year’s Day wreck near North Lake Tahoe, an official said.
An unidentified man was driving a 1998 silver Isuzu Rodeo on Nevada Highway 431 between mile markers 3 and 4 near Incline Village when he crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a 2003 blue Jeep Liberty, said NHP Trooper Dave Gibson.
The incident occurred at about 6:15 p.m.
The Rodeo’s lone passenger was transported by helicopter with life-threatening injuries to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, where he was later died.
That person’s name has yet to be released, pending next-of-kin notification.
All three occupants in the Liberty were transported — two by helicopter — to Renown with serious injures, Gibson said. An update on their conditions was unknown Friday morning.
The driver of the Rodeo fled the scene on foot, Gibson said, and had not been located as of 8:30 a.m. Friday.
Witness reports indicate the driver was bleeding and had cuts to his face, Gibson said. The extent of his injuries was unknown.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office RAVEN helicopter was flying above the Incline Village area between roughly 8:30 and 10 p.m. Thursday, searching for the suspect.
On Friday morning, NHP released an image of Edgar Guzman-Barrios, identified as the registered owner of the Rodeo. He was considered a person of interest.
Troopers connected with Guzman-Barrios on Friday, according to a noon statement.
“After cooperating with an interview with law enforcement officers, Mr. Guzman-Barrios provided important proof that cleared him of any involvement in the crash,” troopers said. “NHP is confident that Mr. Guzman-Barrios was not inside the vehicle when it caused the accident on Mt. Rose.”
The incident remains under investigation, and troopers are looking into other evidence to help locate the driver.
According to NHP, empty beer containers were found in the Rodeo, leading troopers to believe alcohol may have played a factor.
NHP Trooper Karen Garretson is investigating the incident. Anyone who may have information should contact her at 775-689-4625 or kgarretson@dps.state.nv.us regarding case number NHP-150100100.