By James Raia
Raymond Poquette, an 80-year-old man with a history of vehicle-related crimes, has been charged with murder with his motorhome in Grass Valley, California.
On New Year’s Eve, law enforcement authorities arrested Poquette after he drove his 35-foot motorhome into oncoming traffic on Highway 49 in the foothill community, 55 miles northeast of Sacramento.
The motorhome hit a Nissan Altima head-on and another car on its side and it flipped several times. Poquette has been charged with murder in the death of a yet-to-be-identified 56-year-old Grass Valley woman.
History of motorhome crime
The California Highway Patrol said the motorhome also struck a vehicle traveling behind the woman, resulting in minor injuries for the driver.
Chris Walsh, the Nevada County Assistant District Attorney, told The Union newspaper in Grass Valley that Poquette has a history of using his vehicle as a lethal weapon.
In 2009, Poquette was chased by the California Highway Patrol for 12 miles on Highway 20 before his car was disabled with a spike strip. He was arrested on suspicion of evading a peace officer while operating a vehicle.
In 2017, Poquette turned his motorhome across Highway 49 into oncoming traffic. It collided head-on with another motorhome.
In 2018, Poquette was arrested on vandalism charges in Grass Valley after police said witnesses followed him as he keyed six cars. Poquette was taken to the hospital for a mental health evaluation, was cleared and booked. Poquette remains in custody.
Another interesting story, in case you missed it:
Motorhome burns up by the highway
James Raia, a syndicated columnist in Sacramento, California, publishes a free weekly automotive podcast and electronic newsletter. Sign-ups are available on his website, www.theweeklydriver.com. He can be reached via email: james@jamesraia.com.
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…he’s a nutter, was a nutter and will continue to be a nutter… the solution is clear…
This is a very incomplete story. What was the outcome of the previous cases? One from 2009…Arrested is not convicted. Was there any prosecution? If not, one has to ask “why not” if the case was so serious. This is a very poorly researched/reported story. Once again, sensationalistic writing.
There’s a place called google.com. Go there, type in his name and read all you want. Then you have up to the minute details. Everyone doesn’t need to be spoon fed.
Avoiding the AGE related comments:
This individual has a history of poor driving! WHY DOES HE STILL HAVE A LICENSE?
I don’t think having or not having a license would make any difference with someone like this.
Then how about some special time in the “GRAY BAR Motel”! Then when he gets out equip him with an Ankle bracelet, to keep him away from driving.
OH MY! The comments that will be flying about this article!