Updated Wed, October 14, 2026 at 6:02 PM UTC
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A man arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in a fatal crash Friday night has been identified by the California Highway Patrol. CHP identified the alleged DUI driver as Omar Antonio Vasquez, 26, of Arvin was arrested following the crash on suspicion of DUI and hit-and-run resulting in death […]
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A man arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in a fatal crash Friday night has been identified by the California Highway Patrol.
CHP identified the alleged DUI driver as Omar Antonio Vasquez, 26, of Arvin was arrested following the crash on suspicion of DUI and hit-and-run resulting in death or permanent serious injury.
The crash was reported in the area of Wheeler Ridge Road at Creekside Drive on Friday around 6:44 p.m. and involved a pickup truck and an SUV, according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP’s investigation showed a man, later identified as Vasquez, from Arvin was driving a 2012 Toyota Tacoma southbound on Wheeler Ridge Road at an undetermined rate of speed and at the same time an unidentified woman was driving a 2016 Honda CR-V northbound on Wheeler Ridge Road.
CHP said the driver of the Toyota made an unsafe turning movement, crossed the painted broken yellow lines and entered the northbound traffic lane and collided with the Honda.
The right-front passenger of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene. CHP said the driver of the Toyota sustained moderate injuries and the driver of the Honda sustained major injuries.
Vasquez appeared in court Tuesday for arraignment and pleaded not guilty to all counts. According to documents, Vasquez was driving with a BAC of .15.
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