LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A Clearlake Oaks man who sustained major injuries in a Thursday night crash later was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Jerry Elkins, 58, sustained blunt force trauma in the two-vehicle crash, which occurred on Highway 20 west of Bartlett Springs Road between Nice and Lucerne at 9:15 p.m. Thursday, according to the California Highway Patrol's Clear Lake Area office.

Elkins, in a 2007 Dodge, was traveling eastbound on Highway 20 west of Bartlett Springs Road at an unknown speed when he crossed into the westbound lane and collided with the driver's side of a 2003 Cadillac driven by 19-year-old Benjamin Russell of Kelseyville, the CHP said.

The CHP said that after the collision Elkins' vehicle ran off the north side of Highway 20 and hit a wrought iron fence.

Firefighters arriving at the scene on Thursday night reported that the fence was at the location of the former Tulip Hill Winery, according to radio reports.

While Elkins suffered major injuries, Russell sustained minor injuries, specifically, bruising to his ribs, and cuts and scrapes on his left hand and arm, according to the CHP.

The CHP said Russell's passenger, 22-year-old Kelseyville resident Trevor Wilson, was uninjured.

Elkins was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence before he was flown via air ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for treatment of his injuries, the CHP said.

The CHP said Russell and Wilson were wearing their seat belts at the time of the wreck, but Elkins was not.

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