Five injured, one arrested in series of accidents
Gilroy – Three Sunday crashes left five people injured and one behind bars.
“This was a bad weekend,” said Officer Chris Armstrong. “Kind of some weird events.”
The first accident occurred when a motorist attempted to avoid a deer in the westbound lane of Highway 152 west of Lovers Lane. Glen Barrett, 30, of Campbell, swerved his 1999 Dodge Caravan to the right, riding up a dirt embankment and causing the van to overturn shortly after 1am.
Barrett did not suffer injuries, however, both passengers in the van sustained moderate to major injuries and were transported by CALSTAR to Valley Medical Center.
The second collision happened about 8:30pm when a drunken driver rearended a car heading westbound on Highway 152 east of Highway 156. Antonio Martinez, 39, of Gustine, was arrested for driving under the influence after hitting Veronica Arroyo’s vehicle – twice.
“Rather than one incident … he’s got three separate incidents,” Armstrong said, referring to the two accidents and the DUI.
According to reports, Arroyo stepped out to assess the damage. Attempting to back up, Martinez drove forward and hit the rear of Arroyo’s car again.
“She almost got pinned in between,” Armstrong said.
Arroyo, 35, of Salinas, was taken to Saint Louise Regional Hospital for minor bruises to her hip and left leg.
Finally, a pedestrian suffered major injuries after being struck by a car traveling 50mph on Highway 156 east of Highway 152 shortly before midnight.
Edward Olchowy, 66, of Canada, sustained multiple breaks to his left leg and abrasions to the head after being struck by a 1995 Pontiac Transport operated by Artley Fielder, 37, of Fresno, reports indicated.
He was flown to Valley Medical Center. His condition was unknown as of press time.
Alcohol was not a factor in the crash. Officers are unclear whether Olchowy was walking in the eastbound lane or on the shoulder.
All three crashes are under investigation.
