CHP: SUV driver arrested for DUI following fatal crash that sent semi hauling doubles down embankment

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has arrested a motorist following a crash that claimed the life of a truck driver in Merced late Monday night.

The crash occurred around 11:20 p.m on Monday, March 6, on Highway 99 in Merced.

CHP says that 35 year old motorist Anthony Carrasco was southbound on Highway 99 when he attempted to pass a semi truck hauling double trailers by driving at a high rate of speed on the narrow right shoulder.

Troopers say that the Chevy Tahoe driven by Carrasco became wedged between the guardrail and the truck. This caused the truck to jackknife and then tumble off the highway down a steep embankment.

The truck driver, a 55 year old Sacramento resident, was pinned inside the cab of his truck. First responders attempted to free him from the wreckage, but he died at the scene.

Carrasco was not injured.

Carrasco was booked into Merced County Jail.

Charges include a misdemeanor charge of unlicensed driver, and felony charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI .08 causing bodily injury, and DUI alcohol/drugs causing bodily injury, according to Merced County Sheriff Public Services.

The crash remains under investigation by CHP.