Wrong-Way Drunk Drivers Plague I-280: Arrest Made in Burlingame, Tragedy Strikes in San Jose

In the early hours today, a wrong-way drunk driver on I-280 near Trousdale in Burlingame was apprehended in a collaborative effort by Sgt. Scott Smithmatungol, Officers Anthony McKenna, and Andrade, as well as the California Highway Patrol's San Francisco and Redwood City divisions. Fortunately, this incident didn't result in any calamity, thanks to the quick response of law enforcement.

 

Drunk driver going the wrong way on I-280 near Trousdale in Burlingame before dawn is busted w/help by Sgt. Scott Smithmatungol & Officers Anthony McKenna & Andrade. @CHPSanFrancisco @CHP_RedwoodCity also involved pic.twitter.com/KiO9sFwS3O

— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) July 23, 2023

 

However, a similar tragedy unfolded on I-280 just a week earlier when a 26-year-old man, under the influence of alcohol, collided head-on with the vehicle of a 51-year-old Santa Clara County sheriff's jail deputy near the Interstate 280 connector, just south of downtown San Jose, according to a Hoodline article. The deputy was tragically killed on impact, putting a premature end to his dedicated career in service to the community.

 

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

 

As reported by Hoodline, the driver responsible for the fatal collision suffered moderate injuries and was later arrested on suspicion of felony DUI. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) plans to recommend charges to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office. Investigators from the CHP have disclosed that alcohol is suspected to have played a significant role in the accident.