Driver arrested on suspicion of DUI after major injury crash on Highway 99 in Merced

A driver was arrested Saturday on suspicion of DUI after a major injury collision on Highway 99 in Merced, according to the California Highway Patrol.

At about 11:25 p.m. CHP officers responded to Highway 99 near Childs Avenue for a solo-vehicle rollover collision, according to CHP Officer Eric Zuniga.

Authorities said Luis Enrique Martinez Lorenzo, 22, of Merced, was driving a 2006 Honda Accord north in the No. 1 lane on Highway 99 just south of Childs Avenue.

CHP said Mendoza made an unsafe lane change while attempting to enter the No. 2 lane, causing the vehicle to crash and overturn. The right front passenger in the vehicle, identified as a 25-year-old man, suffered major injuries in the collision and was taken to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.

Another passenger inside the vehicle, identified as a 23-year-old woman, was taken to Memorial Hospital North in Modesto with complaint of pain, according to Zuniga.

Lorenzo refused treatment at the scene and was taken to a hospital for medical clearance before being arrested on suspicion of DUI, CHP said.

Lorenzo was booked into Merced County Jail Sunday on suspicion of felony DUI with alcohol or drugs causing bodily injury and DUI .08 alcohol causing bodily injury, according to jail records.

The collision remains under investigation.