Man Killed In Fiery Crash Was 34, From Sebastopol: Coroner

The Sonoma County coroner’s office has identified a driver who died in a fiery solo vehicle crash on state Highway 1 near Bodega Bay last month as 34-year-old Jon Michael deBettencourt of Sebastopol.

Sonoma County sheriff’s officials said deBettencourt brandished a gun and threatened people at the Washoe House bar and restaurant at Stony Point and Roblar roads in Petaluma around 6:30 p.m. on March 16. When deputies arrived, deBettencourt had already left the bar and a deputy tried to stop his vehicle at Walker and Pepper roads, according to the sheriff’s office.

• Previous: Suspect Who Brandished Gun In Petaluma Bar Dies In Fiery Crash On Hwy 1

After initially pulling over, deBettencourt sped away when the deputy approached his vehicle, sheriff’s officials said.

He allegedly drove in excess of 100 mph on rural roads with the deputy in pursuit for about 10 minutes before crashing into a tree north of Bodega Bay. Fire prevented the deputy from trying to rescue deBettencourt from the vehicle, sheriff’s officials said.

An employee at the coroner’s office said dental records led to the crash victim’s identity.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at Daniels Chapel of the Roses in Santa Rosa, according to deBettencourt’s Facebook page.

--Bay City News

--Shutterstock image

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