MAJOR TRAFFIC COLLISION RESULTS IN ARREST AND ROADWAY CLOSURE
On October 24, 2019, at approximately 1233 hours, officers were dispatched to a multiple vehicle traffic collision at Hueneme Road and Ventura Road. Upon arrival, officers noted two vehicles with major damage on Hueneme Road along with a semi-truck which had left the roadway and come to rest in the middle of the Holiday Inn Express parking lot. The semi-truck had also struck two unoccupied parked vehicles in the parking lot of the hotel. The three occupants between the two occupied vehicles were transported to local hospitals with moderate injuries. Their condition is unknown at this time.
Based on our preliminary investigation and statements made by witnesses, the loaded semi-truck with trailer was traveling westbound on Hueneme Road when it ran the red light at Ventura Road. Witnesses estimated the driver’s speed to be approximately 50 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone. The semi-truck struck two vehicles in the intersection, subsequently losing control, and coming to rest approximately 100 yards from the intersection in the middle of the hotel parking lot. The semi-truck struck a bus bench on the south side of Hueneme Road which was narrowly vacated by a male occupant as he saw the collision occur before him.
Officers made contact with the driver and noted objective symptomology consistent with someone being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. After conducting a series of field sobriety exercises, it was determined the driver of the semi-truck was under the influence of alcohol. He was subsequently arrested for driving with a blood alcohol level greater than .04%. Commercial truck drivers may not exceed a legal limit of more than .04%. The driver was also found to have a suspended license.
Ventura County Environmental Health was dispatched to the scene to help contain and dispose of fluids leaking from the semi-truck and fluids left behind on the roadway. Hueneme Road was closed for approximately 4 hours while the scene was processed and cleaned.
If you happened to witness this collision, please contact Senior Officer Ryan Bates at (805) 986-6530.
