Merced crash that damaged traffic signal was caused by DUI driver, police say

Merced police say a crash that damaged a traffic signal light Sunday evening at Yosemite Avenue and G Street was caused by a driver who was under the influence.

Police say suspect Joel Rodriguez, 21, suffered serious injuries in the crash, reported just after 11:30 p.m.

According to a news release, officers determined Rodriguez was driving at a high rate when his vehicle veered off the road and struck the power control boxes that run the lights at the intersection.

Rodriguez suffered serious injuries and had to be flown to an area trauma center.

The damage to the traffic signals is estimated to be $70,000.

According to the new release, Rodriguez had a blood alcohol level of .29%, which was over times the legal limit. He was also under the influence of narcotics.