BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The driver of a white Ford pickup that crashed into the back of a big rig on Highway 99 — trapping a passenger — told a California Highway Patrol officer another vehicle cut him off.

But as Guillermo Vegafausto explained how his pickup became lodged underneath the big rig Monday afternoon, the officer picked up a strong smell of alcohol and noticed Vegafausto was slurring his words, according to a probable cause declaration.

Vegafausto was arrested and on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to felony DUI and child endangerment charges. He’s due back in court Aug. 4.

The crash occurred at about 3:49 p.m. on southbound Highway 99 near California Avenue, creating a major traffic jam.

The pickup became lodged under the big rig’s trailer, trapping the front passenger, who was freed and taken to a hospital, according to the declaration. The passenger’s age was not disclosed in the filing.

The big rig was parked on the west shoulder when the pickup veered from the slow lane and hit it, officers said.

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