CHP vehicle rear-ended by suspected DUI driver on HWY 41

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A Merced man has been arrested on suspicion of felony DUI following a three-car crash involving an on-duty CHP vehicle, the California Highway Patrol says.

Around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, the CHP says one of its patrol units had just wrapped up a traffic stop near the Ashlan Avenue onramp of the northbound lanes of Highway 41 when it was struck by a vehicle from behind as it pulled onto the roadway.

The unit, which still had its overhead lights activated, was traveling behind the Chevrolet Equinox it had just stopped when an approaching Honda Accord rear-ended it.

Investigators say the impact of the Accord into the patrol car caused the CHP cruiser to be propelled forward into the Equinox.  All three vehicles spun out with the Equinox veering onto the right shoulder while the CHP vehicle and the Accord were sent across all lanes and came to rest on the opposite side of the freeway after colliding into the center concrete divider wall.

The CHP says the Accord’s driver was not injured in the incident, however, his 26-year-old female passenger suffered major injuries.  The driver of the Equinox received minor injuries and both CHP officers sustained moderate injuries.  All parties were transported to an area hospital and expected to recover fully.

Arrested was 28-year-old Jacob Perry of Merced on suspicion of felony DUI. He was booked into the Fresno County Jail.