Kings County, CA – On the evening of Saturday, October 25, 2025, a wrong-way collision claimed the life of a man from Bakersfield and resulted in the arrest of Josue Gutierrez Garcia, 21, of Hesperia, according to KSEE.

The California Highway Patrol reports that the crash took place around 8:30 PM on the northbound side of Interstate 5, north of Utica Avenue. 

Investigators say Garcia was driving a Chevrolet Suburban southbound in the northbound lanes when the vehicle struck two other cars traveling in the proper direction.

According to CHP, the Suburban first collided head-on with a Chevrolet Malibu driven by the Bakersfield man. The impact caused major injuries to the Malibu’s driver, who later died as a result of the crash.

After the initial collision, the front of the Suburban struck the left side of a Subaru Legacy driven by a 51-year-old man from Pleasanton. Authorities confirmed that the Subaru driver was not injured.

Garcia sustained minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal collision.

California DUI Law

Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”

Wrongful Death Claims

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.

California Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.