By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com
A Yuba City physician has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence following a traffic collision on Highway 99 in Sutter County.
The doctor allegedly told the CHP officer that he was on his way to a hospital to perform several surgical procedures. However, a hospital spokesman said that the doctor was not scheduled to perform any procedures that morning and he had not been called to the hospital.
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According to the California Highway Patrol, a Honda Accord driven by Ifeanyi C. Igwegbe (photo left), 48, a Sacramento resident with a medical practice in Yuba City, was traveling north on Highway 99 north of Riego Road about 8:25 a.m. Tuesday. Several citizens reported that the vehicle was swerving between the northbound lanes and seemed unable to stay within its lane.
A CHP officer was dispatched to try to intercept the driver, but the collision occurred before the officer arrived.
Igwegbe's vehicle crossed the dirt center divider, striking broadside a Nissan Altima driven by a 30-year-old Olivehurst woman, who was headed south on Highway 99, according to a CHP news release.
Several citizens and an off-duty CHP officer witnessed the collision and stopped to render aid.
CHP officials said an investigation determined that Igwegbe had consumed alcoholic beverages. During the investigation, the news release says, Igwegbe became uncooperative and resistant to a CHP officer and the off-duty officer.
Igwegbe reportedly stated that he was a doctor and was en route to Rideout Memorial Hospital to perform several surgical procedures.
The CHP report says the other driver suffered moderate injuries but indicated she would seek medical treatment on her own.
Igwegbe was not injured and was booked into Sutter County Jail on suspicion of felony DUI.
A staff member at Igwegbe's Yuba City office said Igwegbe was not there today.
Julie Eckardt, a spokeswoman for Sutter North Medical Foundation, said Igwegbe is affiliated with the medical group, but she said the policy is to not comment on personnel matters.
Dr. Robert Plass, chief medical officer with the Fremont-Rideout Health Group, said Igwegbe is affiliated with the health group and has privileges at Rideout Memorial Hospital but is not a hospital employee. Plass said he had checked with the emergency department and endoscopy lab, and Igwegbe had no procedures scheduled Tuesday morning nor had he been called to the hospital.
Plass said Igwegbe typically performs endoscopic, not surgical procedures.
Before determining what action might be taken with regard to Igwegbe's arrest, Plass said, "We will have to talk to him and find out the circumstances."
Plass said the health group tries to provide assistance with psychological or medical issues a physician might have.
"But at the end of the day," he said, "our first priority is to ensure patient safety."
Bee researcher Sheila A. Kern contributed to this report
Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.
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