22-year-old stopped by head-on crash with patrol vehicle injuring two passengers
By CHP Contra Costa
California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers stopped a wrong-way driver following an illegal sideshow late Thursday night, preventing what could have been a deadly crash.
On June 26, at approximately 11:35 p.m., CHP Contra Costa Area officers received reports of sideshow activity near Franklin Canyon Road and State Route 4 (Hwy 4) in unincorporated Contra Costa County near Hercules.
As officers responded, a silver Infiniti sedan involved in the sideshow fled the area and entered westbound SR-4 by driving the wrong way. A CHP patrol unit already on Hwy 4 immediately began a traffic break to slow traffic and protect motorists from the approaching vehicle.
Moments later, officers spotted the Infiniti, with its lights turned off, driving the wrong way on the westbound shoulder of Hwy 4 east of McEwen Road.
Without hesitation, the officers positioned their patrol vehicle in the path of the wrong-way driver to shield the public from the oncoming vehicle. The Infiniti continued toward the patrol vehicle and crashed head-on into it. After the crash, the driver ran from the vehicle, but officers quickly detained him. Two adult female passengers were also detained.
The two passengers suffered suspected minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital, where they are expected to recover. One CHP officer was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and later released. After receiving medical clearance, the driver was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
The driver, Seth Antonio Edwards, 22, of Pittsburg, faces charges including driving the wrong way on a freeway while fleeing, resisting arrest, participating in a speed contest and driving without a valid driver’license.
The officers’ quick and courageous actions prevented what could have been a far more serious tragedy.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Edwards is Black and bonded out of custody on Saturday, June 27th at 3:06 PM.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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