Ceres man arrested for DUI in fatal crash that sent big rig tumbling off Highway 99 in Merced

A Ceres man has been arrested on suspicion of DUI after a big rig driver was killed in a traffic crash in Merced, according to authorities.

At about 11:23 p.m. Monday, officers responded to Highway 99 just north of O Street for the collision, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Eric Zuniga. Authorities said 35-year-old Anthony Carrasco of Ceres was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe at high speed southbound on Highway 99.

According to the CHP, Carrasco attempted to pass a 2021 International big rig that was traveling at about 55 mph and hauling two trailers in the No. 2 lane. When Carrasco tried to pass the big rig on the right shoulder, the Chevrolet became wedged between the big rig and the guardrail.

Zuniga said this caused the big rig to jackknife to the right and overturn down an embankment, pinning the 55-year-old male driver from Sacramento inside the vehicle. Emergency personnel attempted to extricate the man from the vehicle and he was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.

Carrasco was evaluated for driving under the influence at the scene and arrested. He was taken to Mercy Medical Center in Merced for medical clearance and booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI .08 alcohol causing bodily injury, DUI alcohol or drugs causing bodily injury and misdemeanor driving without a license, according to jail records.

According to Zuniga, southbound Highway 99 traffic was diverted to 16th Street following the collision. Authorities said one lane of southbound Highway 99 was reopened at about 9:40 a.m. Tuesday, as crews work to repair the guardrail. The collision remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the CHP at 209-356-6600 and ask for Officer Beutel.

This story was originally published March 7, 2023 at 10:58 AM.