South Lake Tahoe man dies in pedestrian crash involving suspected DUI driver

A 51-year-old South Lake Tahoe man died Friday after an alleged drunk driver with a suspended license for DUI hit him with his vehicle on Lake Tahoe Boulevard. The victim was found unconscious and taken to Barton Memorial Hospital where he died. His name is being withheld pending notification of family.
Gregory Stearns, 49, was arrested and faces a DUI charge that involved death and driving under a suspended license for a previous DUI where he was convicted.
Here is a news release issued by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department:

Fatal Traffic Collision

On February 22nd, at approximately 6:45 PM, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic collision that occurred in front of 2681 Lake Tahoe Blvd (Taco Bell). When officers arrived on scene, they located an unconscious 51 year old male pedestrian lying on the roadway. Officers initiated CPR to attempt to resuscitate the male until SLT Fire and Ambulance personnel arrived on scene to take over. The male was transported to Barton Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The pedestrian’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Officers contacted the driver of the involved vehicle, Gregory Stearns, 49 year old from South Lake Tahoe. During the course of their investigation, Stearns was found to have a suspended driver’s license from a prior DUI conviction. Stearns was ultimately arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving on a suspended license. The cause of the collision is still under investigation, initial indications are that the pedestrian was crossing Lake Tahoe Blvd outside of a crosswalk, was wearing dark clothing in an unlit portion of the highway, and failed to yield to the oncoming traffic. The pedestrian may also have been intoxicated and has a history with the South Lake Tahoe Police department for public intoxication.