Suspected DUI Driver Severely Injured In Santee Crash

SANTEE, CA – A suspected DUI driver was severely injured when he crashed his vehicle into a tree and pole early Wednesday in Santee.

The driver, believed to be in his late 20s, was traveling east on Mission Gorge Road when he collided into a tree and traffic control light post near the off-ramp from eastbound State Route 52 shortly around 4:25 a.m., according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. The force of the crash caused the light to fall off the post, Sgt. Kristin Brayman said.

The driver suffered severe head injuries and was unconscious when he was extracted from his vehicle, Brayman said. He was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital, where he underwent surgery for extensive injuries and deep lacerations.

Officials said there is reason to believe the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Eastbound Mission Gorge Road and the eastbound SR-52 off-ramp were temporarily closed. CalTrans and city public works crews had the lights flashing red until the traffic light was repaired, Brayman said.

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