Fatal Collision

3-22-2022 ** UPDATE **  Chico Police Traffic Officers have been investigating the fatal collision from Sunday evening. The driver who was killed in the collision has been identified as Lance Ostrander, a 44-year-old male from Magalia, CA. The female passenger has been identified as a 29-year-old female from Magalia, whose name is being withheld. She suffered serious injuries but is recovering at a local hospital. The dog that was inside the vehicle suffered a broken front leg. A local veterinary hospital treated the injured dog and he is recovering well. Toxicology results for Ostrander will not be known until the autopsy is complete.

On March 20th, 2022 at about 6:57pm, Chico Police Dispatch received several 911 calls regarding a vehicle collision at Hwy 32 and Forest Ave. Officers arrived on scene and discovered a single vehicle had driven off the road and collided into a tree at the s/e corner of the intersection. The male driver suffered fatal injuries. The female passenger was taken to a local hospital where she remains in critical condition. Officers from the Chico Police Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T) were called in and took over the investigation. The driver has been identified but his identity will be withheld pending next of kin notification. The female was not in possession of identification and has yet to be identified. A dog was also in the vehicle and Officers took it to a local veterinary hospital for treatment. No other vehicles were involved, and no other citizens were injured in this collision. The roadway was closed for approximately 4 ½ hours while the scene was investigated. If anyone has information related to this collision, please call the Traffic Division at 530-897-4970.

Location: Hwy 32 at Forest Ave.

Driver: Withheld

Passenger: Jane Doe

Supervisor: Sgt. Todd Lefkowitz

Watch Commander: Lt. Omar Peña

The Chico Police Department is committed to ensuring our community is a safe place to live, work, and recreate within!