News & Columns > G.T. Houts > CHP Arrests Driver Involved in Crash

CHP Arrests Driver Involved in Crash

DUI Suspected in Lake Arrowhead Accident

By G.T. Houts
Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Lake Arrowhead, CA – The driver of a vehicle that reportedly caused a two-vehicle accident on Highway 173 in Lake Arrowhead that injured three people, posted $50,000 bond Monday night and was released from custody.

The California Highway Patrol placed Ruperto Villa Rosales, 26, from Cedar Glen, under arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence before he was transported to Mountains Community Hospital along with two passengers in an Infinity M45 sedan.

Ambulance entrance at Mountains Community Hospital (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Investigators report they responded to the accident after receiving reports an overturned vehicle was in the middle of Highway 173 blocking lanes. The accident was reported at 6:39 p.m. Sunday and the first CHP unit arrived three minutes later.

The investigation reportedly revealed Rosales was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe north on Highway 173 south of Fremont Drive at the time of the crash. Officers reported in a news release that Rosales drove to the left of the double-yellow line and hit the tan Infinity head on.

San Bernardino County Fire paramedics treated Rosales and two unidentified 58-year-old Lake Forest residents and transported them to the local emergency room.

Rosales was booked at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino at 12:38 a.m. Monday morning.