Wrong way driver on Interstate 80 in Truckee area arrested after head-on crash, CHP says
Officers arrested an intoxicated driver Wednesday after he drove the wrong way on Interstate 80 in the Truckee area, crashed head-on into a tractor-trailer and tried to carjack other drivers in an attempt to flee, the California Highway Patrol reported.
About 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, officers received a report of “a reckless driver” in the eastbound lanes of I-80 near the Donner Pass Rest Area, according to a CHP Truckee Area Office news release.
As officers were headed to the area, CHP dispatchers received multiple calls reporting a gold Lexus sport utility vehicle heading the wrong way in the eastbound lanes of I-80. The Truckee Police Department and the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office also responded to to assist the CHP with the incident.
The wrong way Lexus SUV reportedly crashed head-on with the tractor trailer, resulting in minor injuries. After the crash, the Lexus SUV driver tried to leave the scene on foot, the CHP said.
Witnesses told CHP dispatchers that the Lexus driver was jumping on passing vehicles and was trying to carjack vehicles. CHP officers arrived shortly after and found the Lexus driver on the eastbound I-80 lanes trying to leave the area on foot.
The officers took the Lexus driver into custody, and he was subsequently booked at the Nevada County Jail on suspicion of reckless driving, felony hit-and-run and driving under the influence. The CHP did not release the driver’s name, age or city of residence.
This story was originally published March 16, 2023 at 5:07 PM.
