LUCERNE, Calif. – A local man was arrested on Sunday after he was injured in a crash on Interstate 5.
Michael Rodriguez, 63, of Lucerne was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Bryan Konvalin of the CHP’s Woodland Area office.
At 8:35 a.m. Sunday James Dale Roberts, 39, of Modesto was driving a 2009 Freightliner tractor/trailer combination on northbound I-5 south of County Road 103 near Woodland with Rodriguez approaching the ear in a 2006 Ford Focus. Denise Bailey Green, 42, of Sacramento was following the other vehicles in a 2002 Kia Rio, Konvalin said.
As Rodriguez approached the rear of the Freightliner, he attempted to change lanes to pass, but collided with the rear of the Freightliner. Konvalin said the impacted caused the Ford to go out of control and collide with the Kia.
The traffic collision caused moderate damage to the involved vehicles and Rodriguez suffered complaints of pain, Konvalin said.
CHP officers responded to the scene to investigate the traffic collision. Konvalin said they contacted Rodriguez and observed that he was exhibiting signs of drug intoxication.
Officers performed a DUI evaluation and determined that Rodriguez was driving while under the influence of drugs at the time of the traffic collision, Konvalin said.
Konvalin said Rodriguez subsequently was arrested for DUI, but released from custody to received medial treatment at Woodland Memorial Hospital.