Investigation Continues Into Fatal Motorcycle Crash of Deputies

A motorcycle crash that left one sheriff’s deputy dead and another suspected of felony drunk driving and felony vehicular manslaughter remains under investigation, authorities said.

Mark Neyman, 24, was killed about 12:30 a.m. Sunday when his motorcycle veered out of control on Old Stage Road at East Fallbrook Street in Fallbrook, California Highway Patrol Officer Cliff Babb said.

Thomas Carrell, 27, who was allegedly operating Neyman’s bike, suffered minor injuries, Babb said.

Although both men had motorcycle licenses, the bike was registered to Neyman, Babb said. Neither man was wearing a helmet, and Neyman died when his head struck a curb.

Carrell told investigators Sunday afternoon that he was not operating the motorcycle, Babb said.

However, Babb said, CHP officers had “probable cause to arrest” Carrell, who was taken to County Jail downtown. Carrell was released on his own recognizance at 7:25 p.m. Sunday and will appear in court July 25 for arraignment if charges are filed against him, a jail spokeswoman said.

Carrell’s blood alcohol level was tested, but results were not yet available.

Babb estimated it will take two to three weeks to complete the investigation. A report will then be submitted to the district attorney’s office, which must decide before July 25 whether to file charges.

Carrell has been relieved of his duties as a correctional officer at County Jail in Vista, where he has worked for one year, said Deputy Pearl Janulewicz, a department spokeswoman. Neyman had worked there eight months.

Carrell has been placed on administrative assignment, “which means that he will possibly be assigned to clerical duties until the investigation is finished. . . . Or it can mean that he is sitting at home waiting to go to court,” Janulewicz said.