Edhat Staff
A Lompoc man has been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence following a multi-vehicle and multi-injury crash on Tuesday.
Raymond Guerra, 21, was driving a 2016 Ford Fiesta just before 6:00 p.m. heading northbound on Highway 1 in the fast lane just south of San Antonio Road West.
Guerra allowed his sedan to cross the center median as a 20-year-old Lompoc woman was driving a 2009 Chevy Silverado pickup southbound at a stated speed of approximately 50-60 mph, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Guerra’s vehicle moved into southbound lanes, directly into the path of the pickup truck causing a collision.
At the same time, a 54-year-old Lompoc woman driving a 2022 Toyota Highlander and a 60-year-old Milpitas man driving a 2016 Chevy Colorado pickup truck were driving in the same direction behind the Chevy Silverado. These two drivers were unable to avoid the crash in front of them and collided into the two vehicles resulting in a four-vehicle collision, per CHP.
Guerra, the driver of the Chevy Silverado, and the Toyota Highlander sustained major injuries as a result of the crash. The driver of the Chevy Colorado sustained moderate injuries.
All patients were transported to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department stated Guerra was ejected from his vehicle and was transported to the hospital by helicopter.
CHP placed Guerra under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence at the hospital. The crash remains under investigation and the Buellton Area CHP is asking anyone with information to contact them at 805-691-6160.
