Driver of tree-trimming truck suspected of DUI in fatal crash on Highway 12 in Santa Rosa

The driver of a tree-trimming truck was arrested Thursday morning after the CHP concluded he was under the influence of drugs and ran a red light on Highway 12 in east Santa Rosa, killing the driver of an oncoming car.

The driver, Tanner Robinson, 29, was arrested at the scene after being determined to be under the influence of drugs, CHP Officer David deRutte said.

The identity of the victim, a man, wasn’t available.

Robinson was booked into the Sonoma County Jail Thursday afternoon on two felony charges: gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence causing great bodily injury. Bail was set at $100,000.

The crash occurred shortly before 7:30 a.m. on Highway 12 at Oakmont Drive.

CHP officers suspect Robinson, driving an Atlas Tree truck towing a wood chipper, was eastbound on Highway 12 approaching Oakmont Drive and entered the intersection on a red light.

At that time, a blue Honda Civic was making a legal left turn into the intersection from Oakmont Drive to westbound Highway 12, deRutte said.

The front of the truck collided into the left side of the Honda.

The driver, the single occupant of the Honda, was killed, deRutte said. He died at the scene.

The name of the victim was being withheld Thursday pending notification of next of kin.

The crash blocked westbound Highway 12 for several hours Thursday, but the roadway was opened around noon.

You can reach Staff Writer Lori A. Carter at 707-521-5470 or lori.carter@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @loriacarter.