Gonzales man suspected of DUI after fatal crash on 101

More details have emerged from a fatal accident that occurred south of Chualar on Monday morning, February 25. The California Highway Patrol reports that a Gonzales man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after he caused the deadly four-car crash. The accident took place on Highway 101 south of Chualar at around 9:30 am. The CHP states that 19-year-old Jordan Flores Navarro was driving south in a silver Jeep Cherokee when he lost control, struck the concrete median, rotated in the air, and began to collide into oncoming northbound traffic.  The silver Jeep Cherokee struck a black Acura RSX, a white Pontiac Grand Prix, and a blue Saturn VUE.  The black Acura RSX was being driven by nineteen year old Liseth Perez from Soledad.  The driver of the Acura and her passenger suffered minor injuries and were both transported to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas.  The white Pontiac Grand Prix was driven by a fifty year old Soledad resident.  Due to the impact, the driver of the white Pontiac Grand Prix suffered life threatening injuries and was pronounced dead on scene.  The blue Saturn Vue was driven by eighteen year old Miguel Sanchez of Salinas.  The driver of the blue Saturn and his three passengers suffered moderate injuries and were transported to Natividad Medical Center. US-101 northbound traffic lanes were closed for 4 hours while the investigation was being conducted as northbound traffic was diverted onto Old Stage Road.  In total, 7 people were transported to Natividad Medical Center.  Flores Navarro was arrested and drugs are suspected to be a factor.  This traffic collision is still under investigation by the CHP Monterey Area Office.  The California Highway Patrol wants to remind drivers that driving under the influence of any substance, whether it is alcohol, Cannabis, prescription medication, illegal drugs, or impairing over the counter medications is illegal and dangerous.  Remember to plan ahead, designate a sober driver, ride-share, take public transportation, or make other plans.  It’s not worth the risk to drive impaired.