PALA RESERVATION, Calif.- Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to reports of a head-on collision on SR-76, at Pala Mission Road.
On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at approximately 12:00 a.m., a 43-year-old from Vista was driving a red Nissan Xterra in the eastbound lane of SR-76 at Pala Mission Road. A 65-year-old male from Vista was driving a white Toyota Rav-4 in the westbound lane of SR-76, at Pala Mission Road. For reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Nissan, crossed into the westbound lane and collided head-on with the Toyota.
The California Highway Patrol, San Diego County Sheriffs, and fire/paramedics responded to the scene. Unfortunately, the driver of the Toyota and a 59-year-old female passenger were pronounced deceased at the scene. The identity of the driver and passenger will be released through the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office. The driver of the Nissan was transported to a local area hospital for major non-life threating injuries.
At approximately, 1:36 a.m., the driver of the Nissan, Jesus Munoz, was subsequently arrested by officers from the California Highway Patrol Oceanside Area office. He faces multiple charges related to this incident including felony driving under the influence (DUI) and homicide related charges.
This investigation is ongoing, and the California Highway Patrol is asking anyone who may have information or may have witnessed this incident to contact the California Highway Patrol Oceanside Area office at (760) 643-3400.
The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
