As numerous readers reported in the early morning hours Wednesday, California Highway Patrol officers responded to a broadcast of a wrong-way driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 680, south of Lake Herman Road, in Solano County.
Numerous Flashers and readers reported a vehicle of varying descriptions threading its way south in the northbound lanes of I680, forcing motorists to take drastic evasive action as it approached at high speed.
The vehicle, ultimately reported as a dark-colored Toyota RAV4, was encountered at various locations along I-680, approaching Walnut Creek.
As officers were responding and attempting to intercept, the Toyota crashed head-on with a white Dodge Challenger on the transition ramp of eastbound State Route 24 (SR-24) to northbound I-680 – the crash resulting in major damage to both vehicles. The driver of the Dodge, subsequently identified as Shawn Gutierez, 22, of Pittsburg, sustained fatal injuries during the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the Toyota sustained major injuries and was later transported to the hospital for treatment. While on scene, officers conducted a DUI investigation and determined the driver to be driving under the influence (DUI). The driver was subsequently arrested and will be booked on felony charges of DUI and vehicular manslaughter once medically cleared, according to the CHP. Their name was not released.
The eastbound SR-24 to northbound I-680 transition ramp was closed at approximately 12:48 a.m. for on-scene investigation and reopened at approximately 8:36 a.m.
This crash remains under investigation. If anyone witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it, contact the Contra Costa Area office in Martinez at (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.
Even in a disposable vehicle, driving the wrong direction on the freeway has got to be a low probability play. Seek career counseling. Ask your mother what she thinks.
Several years ago I had just gotten out of the military and I was enjoying life to the fullest when I happened to be on my way home from Livermore over to Mountain House. I was driving a 2013 Ford F-150 so it was a good size vehicle. It was about 11:00pm-12:00am when I crested the hill to the Altamont on 580 Eastbound when it happened. Headlights directly ahead of me in my lane. I was in the fast lane all the way to the left travelling about 75mph. There was nobody else on the road as far as I could see in either direction. I immediately got sick to my stomach and just felt this sudden gut wrenching urge that I was going to die. I slammed on my brakes and was able to jerk my truck over just in time and as my truck left the fast lane the driver whizzed past going much faster than I was. I distinctly remember hearing his motor just pegged out screaming as he flew by me. Of course he kept going and in out a few instants a highway patrol was driving down the off-ramp right on top of the Altamont there trying to enter the freeway the same way that the driver was going. We spoke briefly and I told him he just missed him so he turned around.
In situations like these what can we really expect highway patrol to do though? Is it really expected that they just burn rubber onto the wrong way on the freeway and barrel after the idiot? Hell no that is just suicide. The driver pretty much has to crash somewhere or get off the highway himself. There’s nothing that cops can do about that one. Maybe if they could possibly alert officers for miles down the 580 corridor and see if by chance any of them are close enough to the freeway to park and set up spike strips somewhere the driver won’t be able to see them. But when a driver is burning like 85mph down the highway time just flies so fast and it would be so difficult to try and plan something to get out ahead of him. The driver that almost hit me was involved in a single car collision with a bridge beam and that’s all I know. He made it to about Dublin from Stockton.
Great post, Adam, and we thank you. Good points. We agree with your assessment of what can (realistically) be done during these “thunder runs” (our term) or a police pursuit. Although many people seem to expect some sort of high-speed intervention this is unlikely and often dangerous. As for letting people know that a high-speed runner is on the road, we use our Flash Alert service to notify motorists whenever we see a chase or Thunder Run shaping up on the freeway. That has saved more than a few people. Thanks for your post!
That’s crazy! And very sad…
I almost got head on with this car, I managed to turn right and only have my side mirror scraped. It was so surreal, I’m so greatful I made it home safe and got to see my 4 children. I was driving home after working in the hospital
We’re glad you got home safely, too, Irina. About where were you when this happened?
Curious. Does politics play a role in our reactions? Be honest. In old days real world, this isnt political
In what way, John?
All that way?
Afraid so.
Rest in peace brother
How can a person be so stinking drunk that they continue driving the wrong way at a high rate of speed?? I ain’t buying it. This drunk POS most probably knew he was going the wrong way. He just didn’t care, perhaps suicidal. That’s a very inconsiderate way to kill yourself, chances are very high u will kill another driver. But as it usually goes the drunk POS, does not get killed upon impact but ends the life of a person just minding their business. This loser should be locked for up for a looooong time.
Why don’t they send out Amber Alert type notifications for these incidents while in progress? Could save lives.
We can’t/don’t speak for others but our first alert went out at 12:35am.
Why haven’t they named the DUI driver yet. Is this person related to an important person that they haven’t put it in the news? Makes you wonder.
And a tip of the hat to you, but I don’t know how many midnight drivers are subscribers to The Flash… seems to me that an alert by the CHP/authorities that blasts everyone’s phones in the vicinity could be very helpful (perhaps inconvenient to people sleeping, but worth it if it helps people avoid the offender, hey?)
“…but I don’t know how many midnight drivers are subscribers to The Flash…”
Lots! Apparently… (fwiw).
People looking for timely news alerts know where to go. Other agencies are, of course, free to manage their own systems – which brings us back to the original question: “Why don’t (insert name of official agency here) issue warnings to the public during these incidents?”
This was my son that was killed. The suspect was released on bail and the DA did not even know. Very upset and disappointed.
Our condolences, Mike. No greater pain, we’re sure.
I was the car the swerved before the accident. I was on the 680/24 interchange right before the crash. Would love for u to reach out with any info on his name/location/residence or anything u find. I’m looking too. I feel horrible for ur son and the incident has been on my mind since 12:20am Wednesday. Find me on fb please.