3 Bystanders Hurt In Wrong-Way Crash On I-405
WOODLAND HILLS (CBSLA.com) — Authorities say an early-morning wrong-way crash in the San Fernando Valley has left four people injured, including a suspected drunken driver.
The accident happened around 2:30 a.m. Sunday in the southland lanes of the 405 Freeway near Victory Boulevard, according to KCAL9's Joy Benedict.
Prior to the crash, police had attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle they say was weaving in and out of traffic and traveling at a high rate of speed on the 101 Freeway. Police said the driver eventually exited the thoroughfare at Van Nuys but reportedly then got back on, heading north near Coldwater Canyon.
That's when authorities allege the suspect vehicle reached speeds of 100 miles per hour.
"As you know, these are early morning hours. We have a lot of construction projects in the area on the 405. We notified the contractors and Caltrans workers to clear the roadway for the pending pursuit that was coming into the area. They got notified," said California Highway Patrol Sgt. Tom Webster.
"As the vehicle transitioned onto the southbound 405, the vehicle made a U-turn," the sergeant said. Allegedly traveling north in the southbound lanes, the driver then struck a Toyota Highlander head-on, officials say.
There were three occupants inside the Highlander, including a 2-month-old baby. All three were rushed to UCLA Medical Center in serious condition, according to Benedict.
The driver of the Highlander, a 30-year-old man, sustained a fracture to his right hand while a 28-year-old female passenger had lacerations to her face. The 2-month-old girl, seated in the rear of the vehicle, had some bruising to her head.
The alleged wrong-way driver, who was also in serious condition, was placed under arrest on various charges.
"The driver was arrested for driving under the influence causing injury and evading [police] with injury," CHP Officer Tony Polizzi told KNX 1070 Newsradio.
Raw Audio: CHP Officer Tony Polizzi discusses charges wrong-way driver faces
The identity of those involved has not been released.
No further information was immediately available.
