Paradise, CA (August 31, 2026) – A Paradise police sergeant was seriously injured early Saturday when a suspected DUI driver struck his marked patrol car on Highway 99, near Rio Benito Road in Butte County. The collision occurred shortly after midnight on August 29.
Detective Sgt. Alvies was heading home after working an extra security detail at the Butte County Fair in Gridley. Police said another driver ran a stop sign at Rio Benito Road and struck the driver’s side of Alvies’ patrol car at a high rate of speed. Paradise police identified the other driver as Butte County resident Amie Kucera.
Police said Kucera was believed to be under the influence and was taken into custody. Adult and juvenile passengers in her vehicle were also treated for injuries. Several officers returning from the fair arrived shortly after the collision. They applied a tourniquet to Alvies’ arm and remained with him until firefighters and paramedics reached the scene.
Alvies suffered two broken legs, broken ribs, a punctured lung, a radial laceration, and internal bleeding. He was taken to a local hospital for lifesaving treatment before being transferred to a larger medical facility for specialized care. He has undergone four surgeries and is expected to need additional procedures.
His injuries are no longer considered life-threatening, but they remain significant. Alvies is expected to be away from work for an extended period while he undergoes a lengthy recovery. The California Highway Patrol’s Oroville Area Office continues to investigate the collision and suspected DUI. Our thoughts are with Sgt. Alvies.
What Are the Dangers of DUI Crashes?
Driving under the influence can affect judgment, reaction time, coordination, and the ability to maintain control of a vehicle. Alcohol and drugs can make it harder for a driver to recognize hazards or respond quickly to changing traffic conditions.
The severity of a collision can increase when a vehicle strikes another car at high speed. A side impact can be particularly dangerous for the occupants of the vehicle being struck because there is less space between the point of impact and the passenger compartment.
Emergency medical treatment can be critical after a serious roadway accident. Severe bleeding, broken bones, internal injuries, and damage to the lungs may require immediate care. Rapid stabilization and specialized treatment can help address serious trauma following a major collision.
