A driver was arrested after two California Highway Patrol officers and another driver were hurt in a suspected DUI crash on the 405 Freeway that prompted the closure of all southbound lanes in Fountain Valley early Friday morning, the agency said.
A truck and a Prius were traveling southbound in two open lanes on the freeway shortly before 3 a.m. when they were approached from behind by a speeding Chrysler, CHP Officer Duane Graham said.
The Chrysler crashed into both vehicles, causing the Prius to veer left and crash into a marked CHP patrol vehicle that was stopped with its hazard lights on near Bushard Street, the officer said.
One officer suffered major injuries and another suffered moderate injuries, according to Graham. Authorities previously described the officers’ injuries as not life-threatening.
The female driver of the Prius was taken to a hospital with unknown injuries, CHP said.
The Chrysler’s driver was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, Graham said. Authorities did not identify the suspect, only describing him as a male driver.
All the freeway’s southbound lanes were closed between Warner Avenue and Brookhurst Street until officers opened up two lanes at about 7 a.m. At the time of the crash, two southbound lanes were already closed for construction.
Video from Sky 5 showed vehicles slowly moving past the crash site in the two open lanes. Traffic was seen backed up for miles.
No further details were immediately available.
