Fatal Collision

On Sunday Sept 26th, 2021 at about 3:43pm, Chico Police dispatch received several 911 calls of a vehicle versus motorcycle collision at 8th and Main Streets in Downtown Chico. When Officers arrived on scene, they discovered a severely injured motorcyclist. The other involved vehicle had driven into an unoccupied building and was lodged inside. The motorcyclist was transported to a nearby hospital where a trauma team was activated. The two occupants of the other vehicle were able to walk out of the car and awaited medical treatment. Several witnesses were contacted on scene and provided detailed statements. Witnesses stated the vehicle had run the red light. The motorcyclist was riding with 2 other motorcyclists who were just feet behind him when the crash occurred. Officers from the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) were called in and took over the investigation. Officers canvassed the area and found a local business with security cameras that captured the collision. The statements of the witnesses corroborated the footage from the security cameras. The vehicle, which was driving w/b on 8 th St. (S/R 32) ran the red light and struck the motorcyclist who was riding n/b on Main St. The motorcyclist was positively identified as 26-year old Hunter Dixon of Chico. Dixon was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The driver of the vehicle that caused the collision was positively identified as 18-year old Pesiaune Finau of Chico. Finau was treated and released at a local hospital for injuries resulting from this collision. Based on the evidence gathered at the scene, Chico Police arrested Pesiaune Finau before he left the hospital for vehicular manslaughter, 192© PC. Neither drugs nor alcohol appeared to be a factor in this collision. The building Finau crashed into required significant reinforcement by Chico Fire since it took out two support beams upon impact. The roadway was closed for just over 6 hours while the scene was investigated and cleaned up. Finau was later transported to Butte County Jail.

Location: 8 th and Main Streets

Victim: Hunter Dixon (26-year old of Chico)

Suspect: Pesiaune Finau (18-year old of Chico)

Supervisor: Sgt. Todd Lefkowitz

Commander: Lt. Mike Rodden