KINGS COUNTY, Calif. — A 21-year-old man from Hesperia has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a fatal wrong-way crash on Interstate 5 Saturday night that claimed the life of a Bakersfield resident, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The collision occurred around 8:30 p.m. north of Utica Avenue, when the suspect, identified as Josue Gutierrez Garcia, was reportedly driving a Chevrolet Suburban southbound in the northbound lanes of the freeway.
Investigators say Garcia’s vehicle collided head-on with a Chevrolet Malibu, driven by a man from Bakersfield, before striking the side of a Subaru Legacy driven by a 51-year-old from Pleasanton. The Subaru driver escaped injury, but the Malibu driver sustained major injuries and later died from his wounds.
Garcia suffered only minor injuries and was arrested at the scene for DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter.
A Tragic Reminder of DUI Dangers
CHP officials continue to investigate the incident but say it serves as another tragic example of how driving under the influence can have devastating consequences. Wrong-way crashes, though rare, are often fatal due to high impact speeds.
Authorities are urging motorists to plan safe rides, designate sober drivers, and report any erratic behavior on highways to 911 immediately.