Suspected DUI crash on Auburn Boulevard sends six minors to the hospital, CHP says

Six minors and a driver were hospitalized Saturday evening after a crash in North Highlands which resulted in a DUI arrest, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Brandon David Cowles, 26, was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in connection with the crash.

Officer A.J. McTaggart, North Sacramento-area CHP spokesman, said the crash occurred in the intersection of Auburn Boulevard and Hemlock Street.

A Nissan Sentra driven by Cowles was headed eastbound on Auburn Boulevard and attempted to turn left onto Hemlock when it collided with a westbound-traveling Chevrolet Malibu, McTaggart said.

The driver of the Malibu, plus all six underage passengers, were seriously injured in the crash and were taken to hospitals. None of them were wearing seat belts, McTaggart said.

After CHP investigators arrived at the scene, Cowles was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, McTaggart said.

Cowles is being held without bail at the Sacramento County jail, according to Sacramento County sheriff’s records.

The crash is still under investigation.

This story was originally published February 16, 2020 at 10:30 AM.