Arrest made in deadly Incline Village accident

A New Year's Day head-on collision on Mt. Rose Highway left one person dead, two sent to Renown Hospital by helicopter with major injuries and one taken by ambulance with serious injuries. The accident happened when a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo crossed over the center line and struck a 2003 Jeep Liberty. All three occupants of the Liberty were taken to the Reno hospital.

The driver of the Isuzu left the scene on foot after the accident which occurred just after 6 p.m. Witnesses said he was bleeding and looked injured.

After the accident, troopers from the Nevada Highway Patrol were looking for the registered owner of the car, Edgar Guzman-Barrios, but after making contact with him on Friday and he was cleared of driving the Isuzu. Guzman-Barrios was able to provide law enforcement information which led to the arrest tonight of 49-year-old Manuel Verdusco at his home in Incline Village. He had several injuries including a broken wrist and injured ankle. According to the NHP Verdusco was treated for his injuries at an area hospital and booked into Washoe County Jail.

NHP says alcohol may be a factor in this accident because open beer containers were found in the Isuzu.

The names of the deceased and occupants of the Jeep have not been released.