Cherokee Lane accident leaves two people in critical condition

Two men were in critical condition Wednesday after their vehicle crashed into the back of a tow truck parked on Cherokee Lane.

Hector Solorio, 27, of Stockton, was driving south in a red 1986 Honda Accord around 3:20 a.m., just south of Kettleman Lane, said Lodi Police Sgt. Steve Carillo.

"For unknown reasons that are still under investigation, the vehicle drifted to the right and struck a legally parked tow truck," he said, adding that there were no signs of skid marks or heavy braking.

The car suffered "total damage," Carillo said, and Solorio was taken by medical helicopter to the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. His passenger, Gerald Heuer, 20, of Ione, was taken by ambulance to San Joaquin General Hospital, Carillo said.

Both men were listed in critical condition Wednesday evening, according to hospital officials.

Police spent hours investigating the case Wednesday, and were only able to confirm the victims' identities by early afternoon.

It was not immediately known if alcohol or drugs were involved or if the men were wearing seat belts, Carillo said.

Officers have not been able to speak with either man, and they are still looking for witnesses.

Cherokee Lane has two lanes in addition to street parking in front of several homes, businesses and a trailer park in the area of Wednesday's crash. The tow truck, which had been parked near the driver's home, was still able to be driven and was no longer parked in the area later Wednesday.

Glass remained in the grass, and orange paint marked what had been crucial spots for investigators.

Anyone with information is asked to call Motor Officer Larry Vietz at 333-6800 x.2531, or Sgt. Steve Carillo at 333-5558.

Contact reporter Layla Bohm at layla@lodinews.com.