SUV found in San Martin with ‘for sale’ sign
SUV found in San Martin with ‘for sale’ sign
n By Marilyn Dubil
Staff Writer
Morgan Hill – The driver allegedly racing a Morgan Hill man who died two weeks after he crashed his Mustang, has been identified by Morgan Hill police detectives.
Travis Dalla, 19, of Morgan Hill, was driving the sport utility vehicle northbound on Butterfield Boulevard at speeds in excess of 70mph, detectives said. He was questioned Friday and released. He could face manslaughter charges.
Nicholas Schindler, 20, died June 25 from injuries received in the June 11 accident. He remained in a coma for the two weeks following the wreck. He had undergone surgery to relieve swelling of the brain.
Dalla was located through a description of his Chevy Tahoe, which was circulated throughout South County.
The Tahoe was found in San Martin with a “for sale” sign that listed a phone number, Sampson said. Detectives contacted a roommate who gave them a cell phone number for Dalla, Sampson said.
“(One officer) convinced him to come in and talk to him,” Sampson said. “Detectives will take the information, put it together with the rest of the case and see what the DA decides.”
If the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office finds sufficient evidence against Dalla to file charges, a warrant will be issued for his arrest.
During his interview with detectives, Sampson said, Dalla did not admit to racing with Schindler, but said he was driving faster than the speed limit and that at one point, he was passed by Schindler.
Apparently Dalla knew Schindler, according to Sampson, but Dalla’s roommate knew him better.
Witnesses told police that about 11am June 11, Schindler and someone driving an SUV were racing northbound on Butterfield Boulevard. As they passed the San Pedro Avenue intersection, the driver of the SUV pulled in front of Schindler’s Mustang, cutting him off and forcing him to swerve to the left. As the Mustang hit the center median, it flipped into the air, smashing through an irrigation pipe and five elm trees before coming to rest leaning against another elm. The driver of the SUV fled the scene.
Several e-mails and phone calls left for Schindler’s parents to comment on the case have not been answered.
