Suspect identified in fiery crash



by Melissa Daugherty - staff writer
July 25, 2004

YUBA CITY—A July 17 collision that left a Chico man critically injured was caught on tape, according to police.

Yuba City police Lt. Bill Ollar said his department is seeking 32-year-old Colusa resident Daniel Godoy, who allegedly crashed a stolen SUV into a truck driven by Lyle Verry of Chico.

"It flattened the gas tank, ripping it open and creating a fire ball, " Ollar said of the impact, which he's seen on the video.

Police have issued a $500,000 arrest warrant for Godoy, who reportedly ran away from the accident. He is accused of felony hit-and-run, inflicting great bodily harm, felony evading, burglary and possession of stolen property. .

"When we catch this individual, we want the judge to know he got up and ran while Mr. Verry was burning," Ollar said. "This father of three, this husband, this hard worker was set on fire and left to burn."

Ollar said Verry is still undergoing surgeries at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, and has a long road to recovery. He sustained second- and third-degree burns to 40 percent of his body.

"He's probably going to be in critical condition for the next month," Ollar said.

© Copyrighted article reprinted with permission.