South Lake Tahoe Resident Identified as Man Killed in New Year's Day Accident

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department has identified 49 year old Randy Breeton as the pedestrian killed while trying to cross Highway 50 during the evening on New Year's Day.

Breeton was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by 19 year old Uriel Ortiz, also of South Lake Tahoe. The deceased had been trying to cross the highway outside of a crosswalk, in the dark and while wearing dark clothing. He had a beer can with an inserted straw inside his jacket when hit. An autopsy was conducted today to determine if he was under the influence at the time. Those results will be released once received by the police. Breeton had a long history with the SLTPD, having been arrested 38 times over the last 5 years for being drunk in public and unable to care for his own safety.

Ortiz has been cleared of any wrong doing as he was driving at the posted speed limit and was not under the influence.

SLTPD is asking that if anyone witnessed this collision, they are encouraged to call Detective Doug Sentell at 530-542-6100 in reference to case number 1401-0106.