DUI Suspected in Two-Car Crash That Injures Three

A Hemet man was arrested on suspicion of DUI after his vehicle collided with another car, sending three people to the hospital with minor to moderate injuries on Friday, the California Highway Patrol reported today.

Piet Sanchez, 72, was driving a 2014 Ford Fusion eastbound on Washington Street near Keller Road in northeast Murrieta at about 55 mph Friday at 9:50 p.m., according to a CHP news release. Cristian Menera, 43, of Winchester and his 13-year-old son were traveling westbound in a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo compact at approximately 40 mph. Sanchez drove into the opposing traffic lane, where the left front end of his vehicle struck the left front end of Menera's vehicle.

Both vehicles spun out of control and into a dirt field. Menera and his son were extricated and transported to Inland Valley Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries. Sanchez was trasnported to the hospital for treatment of minor cuts, then arrested on suspicion of DUI and booked at the Southwest Detention Facility.