SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – A driver was arrested in connection with a wrong-way crash in the Pala area that left two people dead Wednesday, the California Highway Patrol said.
The two-vehicle wreck occurred just after midnight on state Route 76 at Pala Mission Road, near Pala Casino, the CHP said.
CHP officials said a maroon Nissan Xterra SUV was traveling eastbound on SR-76 when, for unknown reasons, it crossed into the westbound side and struck a white Toyota RAV4 SUV head-on.
The driver of the Toyota -- identified as a 65-year-old man from Vista -- and a 59-year-old female passenger were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Nissan’s driver, 43-year-old Jesus Munoz, was taken to the hospital with injuries considered major but not life-threatening, the CHP said.
ABC 10News learned Pala Reservation security cameras captured the crash, but also the Nissan’s driver getting out of the vehicle and laying on the roof of his damaged SUV.
A pit bull that was pulled from the wrecked Nissan SUV was taken into custody by animal control officers. The dog was expected to be OK.
CHP officials said Munoz was arrested about 90 minutes after the incident, and the agency stated, “He faces multiple charges related to this incident including felony driving under the influence (DUI) and homicide related charges.”
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact the CHP’s Oceanside Area office at 760-643-3400.
