A Paradise Police detective sergeant is recovering after a high-speed crash on Highway 99 near Rio Bonito Road left him with critical injuries early Saturday, August 29, 2026. John Alvies was returning from an assignment assisting the Gridley Police Department at the Butte County Fair when another vehicle allegedly ran a stop sign and struck the driver’s side of his patrol car. Alvies suffered two broken legs, broken ribs, a punctured lung and internal bleeding, and underwent multiple surgeries. The driver of the other vehicle, identified as Amie Kucera of Oroville, was arrested on suspicion of DUI after officers reportedly found open alcohol containers in her car. Two children riding with Kucera, ages 6 and 8, were also taken to hospitals for treatment.
According to KRCR News Channel 7, the California Highway Patrol’s Oroville Area Office is investigating the crash and the DUI allegations against Kucera, who remains in custody. KQMS reported that the 6-year-old passenger was flown to UC Davis Medical Center while the 8-year-old was taken to Enloe Medical Center. The Paradise Police Department said Alvies’ condition is no longer considered life-threatening, though he faces an extended recovery. If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash caused by a suspected drunk driver, Beverly Law offers a free consultation, and you don’t pay any fee unless we win your case.
