SIG Alert Issued Near Washington Street Exit Ramp on Interstate 10, Major Backup

A suspected DUI crash caused major backup this morning along Interstate 10 near the Washington Street exit ramp, causing the need for a SIG alert. According to a report by the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at around 12:55 a.m. Friday morning on the westbound I-10 freeway.

CHP says that officers were responding to a crime in progress using the off-ramp when a 2024 Toyota Corolla collided with them, traveling the wrong way, up the exit ramp. The collision caused major front-end damage to both vehicles, injuring the two CHP officers and the driver of the wrong-way vehicle.

The driver of the wrong-way vehicle has been identified by authorities as 22-year-old Thermal resident Jose Huitron-Rueda. CHP has determined that, although the crash is still under investigation, alcohol impairment is a contributing factor.

Huitron-Rueda had been placed under arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, among other charges.  At the time of writing, he has not appeared on the Riverside County Jail information page, so his first court date is yet to be known. 

Currently, traffic maps indicate major backup between the Washington and Jefferson Street exit ramps. Though it does appear to be subsiding. Be advised to avoid the I-10 area between Washington Street and Jefferson Street in the meantime.