Three injured in alleged DUI crash involving two CHP officers on Highway 41 in Fresno
Three people were injured, including two California Highway Patrol officers during a traffic stop when an alleged DUI driver smashed into the patrol car early Sunday morning.
CHP spokesperson Mike Salas said the collision took place at 1:30 a.m. on northbound Highway 41, just south of Ashlan Avenue.
A CHP unit was conducting a traffic stop with a Chevrolet Equinox at the far right lane. The CHP unit had its rear overhead lights activated.
Salas said a Honda Accord approached from behind in the No. 3 lane and failed to see the CHP unit and collided with the rear-end of the CHP unit. The crash caused the patrol vehicle to be propelled forward into the Chevrolet, causing a violent spin-out involving all three vehicles within the northbound lanes, Salas said.
The Chevrolet veered onto the right shoulder, while the patrol car and Honda were sent across all lanes and collided with the center concrete divider wall. The driver of the Honda was not injured, but a 26-year-old woman in the vehicle suffered major injuries. The Chevrolet driver had minor injuries, while both CHP officers had moderate injuries, Salas said.
All were taken to a local hospital and expected to make full recoveries.
“Unfortunately, incidents like this demonstrate the horrific outcomes that can occur when individuals make the reckless decision to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” CHP Commander Ian Holguin said. “The CHP is committed to ensuring the safety of all motorists and will continue efforts to remove impaired drivers from the road.”
The Honda driver, 28-year-old Jacob Perry of Merced was arrested at the scene for felony DUI and taken to the hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Fresno County Jail.
This story was originally published February 23, 2025 at 11:49 AM.
