Delano, CA – On the evening of Saturday, April 4, 2026, a wrong-way suspected DUI collision resulted in the death of Joel Salomon Sanchez Perez, 55, of Vallejo, and left multiple others hospitalized, according to KBAK.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 9:17 PM on Highway 99 at Ninth Avenue.
Authorities said Alejo was driving a 2024 Tesla Model X northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 99 when he drove directly into the path of a Nissan Frontier driven by a 49-year-old woman traveling southbound. A 23-year-old woman driving a Dodge Charger southbound behind the Nissan was unable to avoid the wreckage, with the front of the Dodge striking the Nissan. At least four vehicles were involved in the overall collision.
Sanchez Perez, who was a passenger in the Nissan, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kern County Coroner’s Office formally identified him on Wednesday. The driver of the Nissan and an additional passenger sustained major injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The four occupants of the Dodge sustained injuries. Alejo was arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Authorities said alcohol and drugs appear to have been contributing factors in the crash. Traffic came to a standstill along Highway 99 near 11th Avenue overnight while officers conducted their investigation. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the CHP Bakersfield office. The investigation remains ongoing.
Wrongful Death Claim
Even if a fatal accident doesn’t lead to criminal charges, families who lose a loved one can still file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can provide support to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income.
Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
