Drunk Driver Going Wrong Way on Highway Claims Life of Santa Clara Deputy

The life of a 51-year-old Santa Clara County sheriff’s jail deputy was tragically cut short early Saturday morning, when a drunk driver careened into his car on Highway 87, according to the Mercury News. The intoxicated driver, a 26-year-old man, was traveling the wrong way on southbound Highway 87 near the Interstate 280 connector, just south of downtown San Jose.

 

Arturo Romero, @SCCoSheriff correx deputy driving home after his shift at Main Jail in San Jose, killed by DUI driver going the wrong way on Hwy 87 in Toyota Sienna, per @CHPSanJose. 26yo man in custody pic.twitter.com/1k4TM36nw5

— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) July 17, 2023

 

The California Highway Patrol disclosed that alcohol is suspected to have contributed to the tragic collision. At around 4:50 a.m., the Toyota Sienna driven by the 26-year-old collided head-on with the Honda Accord of the correctional deputy, killing him on impact. The driver of the Toyota was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI, and the CHP will recommend charges to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. The suspect suffered moderate injuries as a result of the crash.

The Sheriff's Office confirmed that the jail deputy was on his way home after completing his shift that day. Arturo Romero dedicated service and impact on the community will not be forgotten. The Santa Clara County Office of the Medical Examiner-Coroner has notifyed next of kin.

Highway 87 was closed for over two hours following the incident as authorities conducted their investigation, during which time they confirmed that they suspect alcohol impairment played a key role in this devastating crash. Meanwhile, NBC Bay Area reported that police are still investigating the circumstances leading up to the accident.