Driver Arrested After Jeep Plunges Off Bridge in Suspected DUI Crash

Authorities say the driver of a sedan crashed into the back of the Jeep, causing it to go over the railing and into the Sweetwater River below.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:08pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield or other damaged vehicle part, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a tragic crash caused by suspected drunk driving.The aftermath of a suspected DUI crash that sent a Jeep plunging off a freeway connector, exposing the grim realities of impaired driving.Chula Vista Today

A 61-year-old driver has been arrested on suspicion of DUI and murder after authorities say he ran his sedan into the back of a Jeep on a state Route 54 connector ramp in Chula Vista, California, sending the SUV plunging off the bridge and into the Sweetwater River below. The driver and passenger of the Jeep were both killed in the crash.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating consequences it can have. It also raises questions about the safety of the connector ramp where the crash occurred and whether any infrastructure improvements could have prevented such an outcome.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly after 12:50 a.m. on Sunday as the Jeep Liberty and a Volkswagen EOS were both heading west on Route 54 toward the southbound lanes of Interstate 5. For reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Volkswagen, identified as 61-year-old Douglas Guyton, crashed into the rear of the Jeep, causing it to leave the roadway and plunge into the river below, where it became fully submerged.

  • The crash was reported shortly after 12:50 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
  • Guyton is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday.

The players

Douglas Guyton

The 61-year-old driver of the Volkswagen sedan who was arrested on suspicion of DUI and murder.

California Highway Patrol

The law enforcement agency investigating the crash.

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What they’re saying

“The driver of the Volkswagen crashed into the rear of the Jeep 'for reasons still under investigation,' and the Jeep left the roadway and landed in the river, where it became fully submerged.”

— Michael Wessendorf, California Highway Patrol Officer

What’s next

Guyton is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, where the judge will decide whether to grant him bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the importance of road safety measures to prevent such crashes from occurring. It also highlights the need for continued efforts to address the issue of drunk driving and ensure the safety of all motorists on our roads.