Pittsburg, PA
Wrong-way driver in Pittsburg fatal crash arrested on suspicion of murder
PITTSBURG, Calif. – The incorrect-way driver who killed an individual on Freeway 4 in Pittsburg was below the affect, the California Freeway Patrol mentioned Wednesday.
Michael Armstrong, 53, of Richmond, is accused of driving a silver SUV westbound, within the eastbound lanes close to Railroad Avenue about 11 a.m. Tuesday. The SUV slammed head-on right into a black sedan that was subsequently struck by one other car and a tanker truck.
The motive force of the black sedan, whose identification has not but been launched, was killed. Three others had been damage.
CHP say deadly Hwy 4 crash was completely preventable
California Freeway Patrol is driving house its message this season: Don’t drive below the affect. This comes following a lethal crash on Freeway 4 in Pittsburg. Police say the suspect was driving on a suspended license and was additionally driving the incorrect means.
“This was 100% preventable,” mentioned CHP Officer Adam Lane. “That is somebody who determined to get intoxicated and get behind the wheel.”
CHP mentioned Armstrong took off operating after the crash however was arrested by officers a short while later. He was taken to the hospital for minor accidents.
Armstrong was booked into jail on suspected homicide, DUI leading to damage, and driving the wrong-way leading to loss of life. He was additionally driving on a suspended license for a earlier DUI cost, Lane mentioned.
That is the second wrong-way crash on that stretch of Freeway 4 in latest weeks. In mid-November, 5 individuals had been killed, together with three youngsters close to Loveridge Highway.
“This retains on occurring,” mentioned the victims’ household buddy Crystal Salinas “It’s truly very scary.”
Information reveals in 2022, greater than a dozen deadly crashes have occurred in that space of Freeway 4, just like final yr.
Incorrect-way crashes are thought of uncommon and the CHP mentioned lethal wrecks haven’t dramatically elevated.
“I wouldn’t say Freeway 4 is any roughly harmful than some other freeway,” Lane mentioned. “We at all times wish to remind individuals to please decelerate and for those who’re going to drive, don’t drink. In the event you’re going to drink, don’t drive.”
Brooks Jarosz is an investigative reporter for KTVU. E mail him at brooks.jarosz@fox.com and observe him on Fb and Twitter @BrooksKTVU