A suspected drunk driver who was involved in a fatal crash on Thursday told officers that a semi truck was to blame for the crash, but police aren’t buying his story.
The incident occurred in Orange County, California, around 5:30 a.m. on Thursday.
According to the LA Times, a Dodge Charger, driven by 25-year-old Joshua Garmon, swerved across the 5 Freeway in order to make the transition onto the southbound 133 Toll Road and struck a GMC Yukon SUV from behind.
The impact caused the Charger to turn sideways, partially blocking the right lane of the highway.
The driver of the SUV left his vehicle to speak to Garmon, who was still inside his Charger.
As he was walking back to his SUV, 39-year-old Juan Ticas was hit by a Nissan SX that swerved to avoid the Dodge Charger that was still blocking the road.
Ticas was knocked down a 50-foot embankment and killed. The Nissan SX then struck Ticas’ SUV.
A fourth vehicle, a white Toyota Camry, was later involved in the pileup when it was unable to swerve to avoid Garmon’s Charger.
When police arrived, Garmon told the officers that a semi truck clipped his vehicle, causing him to swerve and hit the GMC Yukon SUV.
“The driver in the Charger said he got hit by a big-rig, which caused him to swerve,” said California Highway Patrol Officer Florentino Olivera.
Officers weren’t buying his story, however, noting that there was no evidence that any big rig was involved.
“There is no sign of a big rig. There are no witnesses at this time. There is nothing to substantiate his statement.” added Olivera.
Garmon was arrested on suspicion of DUI. It was his second DUI arrest.
The crash closed the highway for nearly four hours.