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Suspected DUI Driver Crashes Into Couple's Jeep, Killing Them
Ignacio and Monica Pedroza died after their vehicle plunged into the Sweetwater River in National City
Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:57pm
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A man and woman were killed when their Jeep was rear-ended by a suspected drunk driver on a freeway connector ramp in National City, sending their vehicle into the Sweetwater River below. The driver of the other vehicle, Douglas Guyton, has been arrested on suspicion of DUI and is expected to face murder and DUI charges.
Why it matters
This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the urgent need for stricter enforcement and harsher penalties to deter such reckless behavior that puts innocent lives at risk. It also raises questions about the safety of the freeway connector ramp where the crash occurred.
The details
According to the California Highway Patrol, around 1 a.m. on Sunday, a Volkswagen EOS driven by Douglas Guyton, 61, crashed into the rear of a Jeep driven by Ignacio Pedroza, 60, causing the Jeep to leave the roadway and plunge into the Sweetwater River below. Ignacio and his wife Monica Pedroza, 53, were both killed in the crash. Guyton was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence.
- The crash was reported around 1 a.m. on Sunday on the westbound SR-54 transitioning into the southbound Interstate 5 bridge.
- Ignacio Pedroza was not extricated from the vehicle until it was pulled from the water shortly after 4 a.m.
The players
Ignacio Pedroza
A 60-year-old Chula Vista resident who was killed when his Jeep was rear-ended and plunged into the Sweetwater River.
Monica Pedroza
The 53-year-old wife of Ignacio Pedroza who was also killed in the crash.
Douglas Guyton
A 61-year-old suspected DUI driver who allegedly rear-ended the Pedroza's Jeep, causing it to crash into the river.
Juan Gonzalez
A witness who saw the Jeep fly off the freeway ramp and crash into the water below, and attempted to help in the rescue efforts.
What they’re saying
“We were attempting to go into the [river], but they were suggesting that we didn't because of how unsafe it could have been.”
— Juan Gonzalez, Witness
What’s next
Guyton is due in court on Wednesday and is expected to face one count of murder and a pair of DUI charges. The California Highway Patrol is urging anyone who witnessed the crash to contact them directly.
The takeaway
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the urgent need for stronger enforcement and harsher penalties to deter such reckless behavior. It also raises questions about the safety of the freeway connector ramp where the crash occurred, and whether additional measures could be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
