Drunk driver kills man in hwy 101 crash
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. -- A 30-year-old man driving under the influence of alcohol was arrested after he crashed into another vehicle, killing the driver and injuring the passenger of that vehicle, on northbound U.S. Highway 101 in San Rafael early this morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The CHP received a call at about 1:20 a.m. about a possibly intoxicated driver traveling in a silver 2001 Mitsubishi Montero on northbound Highway 101 in the area of North San Pedro Road.
According to the CHP, while the caller was reporting the erratic driver, the SUV went off the road and across the shoulder towards an embankment.
The driver of the SUV then swerved back onto the highway and rear-ended a red 2007 Toyota Yaris traveling just ahead of him.
The CHP said the collision was so violent that both the SUV and the sedan overturned on the highway before coming to a stop on their wheels.
The CHP and emergency responders arrived at the scene and located the sedan in the far left lane with two people still inside.
The SUV was stopped in the far right lane and a solo driver was inside.
All three parties involved in the crash were transported to Marin General Hospital for treatment.
Shortly after arriving at the hospital, the driver of the Yaris died.
The passenger in the Yaris is being treated for a complaint of pain and some bruises, but no life-threatening injuries, according to the CHP.
The driver of the SUV, identified as Osmon DeLeon, of Petaluma, exhibited signs of alcohol intoxication and was determined to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision.
DeLeon was arrested for felony DUI causing death and felony gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Following medical clearance, DeLeon will be booked into Marin County Jail, the CHP said.
The identity of the deceased victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, the CHP said.
All northbound lanes were closed following the crash and traffic was detoured through a bus lane at North San Pedro Road until the vehicles and the five lanes of debris could be cleared.
