Pickup driver suspected of DUI after crash jackknifes semitrailer near Antelope

A driver is facing DUI charges after allegedly causing an early Thursday wreck that jackknifed a tractor-trailer near Antelope, the California Highway Patrol said.

CHP officials in the patrol’s North Sacramento office said the driver of a pickup truck crashed into the big rig about 4:30 a.m., in the intersection of Walerga and Elverta roads.

The pickup’s driver complained of pain after the collision and was arrested by CHP officers at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence, said CHP officials.

The jackknifed tractor-trailer spilled diesel fuel, closing northbound Walerga Road as Sacramento County hazardous materials crews tended to the spill. As of 10:45 a.m. Thursday, the road was still closed.

This story was originally published July 9, 2026 at 10:35 AM.

Darrell Smith

The Sacramento Bee

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Darrell Smith is a local reporter for The Sacramento Bee. He joined The Bee in 2006 and previously worked at newspapers in Palm Springs, Colorado Springs and Marysville. Smith was born and raised at Beale Air Force Base and lives in Elk Grove.