Suspected DUI driver rescued from steep ravine in Cloverdale hills

The driver crashed about 30 feet down and landed in a creek west of Cloverdale, authorities said.|
RANDI ROSSMANN
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A driver rescued Tuesday morning after plunging from a rural north county highway and landing in a creek then was arrested, suspected of drunken driving, according to the Highway Patrol.

The crash was reported about 9:50 a.m. on Highway 128 west of Cloverdale, near the Mendocino County line.

The Toyota Camry driven by ERic Gelder, 53, of Geyserville, traveled over a steep edge and dropped about 30 feet into the creek, which held little water.

Cloverdale firefighters set up a rope system to get Gelder out of the ravine. He had minor injuries, was taken to a hospital for medical clearance and then booked into the Sonoma County Jail, said CHP Officer Juan Leon.

- Randi Rossmann

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