Vehicle vs. Moped Collision

Major Accident Investigators have learned more of what took place last night just after midnight when this collision occurred. The victim who was struck while riding his moped was identified as Terry Nilsen Jr., a 22- year-old male from Chico. The driver of the pick-up truck was identified as Chase Jacobsen, a 24-year-old male from Chico. Jacobsen was traveling southbound Esplanade in the 3500 block when he collided into the back of Nilsen Jr., who was also southbound Esplanade. The force of the impact ejected Nilsen Jr. from the moped. Jacobsen fled the scene without stopping with the moped still lodged under the truck. The moped left a fluid trail and debris field along with scuff marks in the roadway that led patrol Officers to the moped’s point of rest, some 2 miles away in the Amber Grove subdivision. While investigators were combing the two different scenes, another patrol Officer located the pick-up truck a couple miles away in another neighborhood which had matching damage. Jacobsen was located near the truck and was ultimately arrested for driving under the influence and hit and run causing major injury. Jacobsen has been cooperative with Officers throughout this investigation. Major Accident Investigators had 3 separate scenes to process which ultimately kept north Esplanade closed for over 5 hours. Later this morning, investigators learned that Nilsen Jr. had passed away from his injuries at a local hospital. Jacobsen is being held in custody for vehicular manslaughter and no bail, which means Jacobsen is not eligible to pay to get out jail until further court proceedings. Investigators are asking residents of north Esplanade and Amber Grove subdivision to check their security cameras between 0030 hours and 0100 hours this morning to see if they may have captured the pick-up truck dragging the moped through the neighborhood. If anyone has video evidence or further information that may help this case, investigators are asking you to call the Chico Police Department Traffic Unit at 897-4970 and leave your name and number.

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On March 6th, 2022 at about 0039 hours, Chico Police Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a vehicle versus moped collision in the 3500 block of the Esplanade, north of Shasta Elementary School. The rider of the moped was struck by a pick-up truck and suffered major injuries. The driver fled the scene and was later arrested for driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. Due to the severity of the moped rider’s injuries, the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) was called in. The roadway was closed for approximately 5 hours while the scene was investigated.

The investigation is ongoing and a press release with further information will be released later this weekend.

Location: 3500 block Esplanade

Moped Rider: Terry Nilsen Jr., a 22-year-old male from Chico.

Suspect: Chase Jacobsen, a 24-year-old male from Chico.

Supervisor: Sgt. Todd Lefkowitz

Commander: Lt. Ben Love