Wrong-Way Driver Arrested After Double-Fatal 101 Freeway Crash in Ventura

VENTURA, Calif., June 8 (KNN) — A wrong-way driver was arrested by the California Highway Patrol following a head-on traffic collision on the 101 Freeway in Ventura overnight that left two people dead.

At approximately 2:26 a.m., the CHP received calls of a wrong-way driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of the 101 Freeway in the area of State Route 33, according to the CHP’s news release of the incident. As CHP Ventura Area units were responding to the location, they were advised that a crash had occurred around 2:30 a.m.

According to the CHP, a 21-year-old driver of a Volkswagen Jetta was driving southbound in northbound lanes of the 101 Freeway. A 55-Year-old driver of a Nissan Versa was driving northbound in the northbound lanes of the 101 Freeway when a head-on crash occurred northbound, south of Vista Del Mar Drive.

Both the driver and passenger of the Nissan were pronounced deceased at the scene. CHP reported that they were both residents of Santa Barbara. Their names have been withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Sgt. Ken Antonetti with the CHP, spoke to KNN on camera at the scene and said the driver of the Volkswagen was arrested for gross vehicular manslaughter – two different counts – as well as felony DUI. It was determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

CHP identified the driver of the Volkswagen in their news release, as Oxnard resident Evan Bouchard who was medically cleared at the Ventura County Medical Center for complaint of pain sustained in the crash. He was subsequently booked into the Ventura County Jail.

US-101 northbound was shut down at Seaward Avenue during the on scene investigation with the assistance of Caltrans and the Ventura Police Department, according to the news release. US-101 northbound was reopened at approximately 7:30 a.m.

Antonetti advised motorists when driving late at night on a freeway, to try and stay toward the right two lanes in the correct direction of travel. He added that the majority of wrong-way drivers usually travel in what they think is the slow lane, but it is actually the fast lane.

“Just make sure you have a high visual horizon so you can see somebody if they are coming at you in the wrong lane,” suggested Antonetti.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information relevant to the investigation is asked to call the CHP Ventura Area office at (805) 662-2640.

Gabriel Pabon, Video Journalist / KNN