Westley man killed in ATV crash on cattle ranch

A 50-year-old Westley man, Timothy Wells, was killed in an ATV crash on a private dirt and gravel road on a cattle ranch west of Interstate 5 on Sunday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol reported. The ATV’s driver, who suffered major injuries and was taken by air ambulance to Doctors Medical Center, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to the CHP.

In a case like this, “arrested” is a technical term, said Officer Eric Parsons, CHP spokesman. “Typically what happens is if there’s enough probable cause, we will go ahead and place the person under arrest.”

Parsons did not have information Monday morning on the medical condition of the driver, 44-year-old David E. Taylor of Prince Frederick, Md.

Two 17-year-old males also were riding in the ATV but were not injured.

The crash occurred about 4 p.m. Sunday when Taylor was driving a 2014 Polaris RZR – owned by Wells – westbound on Ingram Creek Road. He lost control of the ATV as he approached a right curve, Parsons said. The vehicle left the roadway and went down an embankment.

Taylor and Wells, who was in the front passenger seat, were not wearing their five-point harnesses and were ejected, according to Parsons. Wells was pronounced dead at the scene.

The teens riding in the back seat were wearing their safety harnesses. One is a Westley resident; the other is from Patterson.

This story was originally published April 18, 2016 at 9:05 AM with the headline "Westley man killed in ATV crash on cattle ranch."