DUI Arrest Follows Fatal I-5 Crash in LA County

Suspected DUI Arrest After Fatal I-5 Crash Near Templin Highway in Los Angeles County

A tragic collision on northbound Interstate 5 claimed the life of a 61-year-old driver late Saturday night, November 8, 2025, and led to the arrest of a 21-year-old Wasco resident on suspicion of driving under the influence. The crash occurred around 11:10 p.m. on I-5, north of Templin Highway, in northern Los Angeles County.

According to preliminary information from authorities, the incident involved a white Jeep Cherokee and a silver Toyota Camry. The driver of the Jeep, a 61-year-old man, was ejected from his vehicle in the crash and died at the scene from his injuries. The other driver, identified as 21-year-old Martin Enrique Cazares of Wasco, was taken into custody on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter. He was booked into a local sheriff’s facility following the collision. Investigators noted indicators of impairment, but the investigation remains active, and formal determinations will depend on the full evidentiary record, including toxicology results.

In the immediate aftermath, traffic on northbound I-5 was halted for approximately an hour as California Highway Patrol officers and emergency responders secured the area, conducted a scene investigation, and cleared debris. Authorities urge anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information, such as dashcam footage, to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.

What We Know About the Crash and Ongoing Investigation

Serious freeway collisions like this often require comprehensive crash reconstruction to determine the sequence of events and contributing factors. Investigators generally examine:

- Vehicle positions, damage patterns, and roadway evidence such as skid marks, yaw marks, and debris fields.
- Event data recorders (EDRs), sometimes referred to as “black boxes,” which can capture speed, braking, throttle, and seatbelt status seconds before impact.
- Possible impairment indicators, including field sobriety observations and toxicology testing.
- Environmental factors such as lighting, roadway design, traffic density, weather, and any construction or lane closures.
- Witness statements and video evidence, including dashcams, nearby surveillance cameras, and traffic cameras.

The report that the 61-year-old victim was ejected from his vehicle highlights how dangerous high-speed freeway impacts can be. Ejection significantly increases the risk of fatal injury. Investigators will typically assess seatbelt usage, restraint systems, and whether any mechanical issues or secondary impacts contributed to ejection. Regardless of those details, the loss of life is devastating, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family.

DUI and Potential Criminal Charges in California

When a collision is suspected to involve impairment, multiple criminal charges may be considered. Under California Vehicle Code section 23153, it is unlawful to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and cause injury. In fatal cases, prosecutors may pursue vehicular manslaughter charges, and charging decisions can vary based on the evidence, including blood alcohol content, driving behavior, and aggravating factors.

It is important to remember that an arrest is not a conviction. All findings are provisional until the investigation is complete and the courts reach a final outcome. However, the criminal process is separate from the civil process, and families do not need to wait for criminal proceedings to finish before exploring their civil legal options.

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At Avian Law Group, our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking fatal DUI crash. Losing a life to a drunk or impaired driver is one of the most devastating — and preventable — tragedies imaginable. In a split second, a reckless decision to drive under the influence can shatter multiple lives, leaving behind grief, anger, and unanswered questions for families who deserved so much better.

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California law is clear: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal — it is an act of gross negligence that carries severe criminal and civil consequences. When impaired driving results in death, families have the legal right to pursue justice through a wrongful death claim, holding the responsible driver accountable for the harm caused. Such claims can help cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, emotional suffering, and the irreplaceable loss of companionship and love.

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At Avian Law Group, our attorneys have represented countless families devastated by DUI-related crashes. We work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable — not just in criminal court, but also through civil action that delivers financial justice to the victims’ families. Our team conducts thorough investigations, gathering evidence such as toxicology reports, police findings, and witness statements to build the strongest possible case for those left behind.

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While no legal outcome can ever replace a loved one, pursuing justice through a wrongful death claim can bring a measure of closure and help protect others from suffering the same fate. Our firm is deeply committed to supporting victims’ families with compassion, strength, and the determination to see justice served.

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If you have lost a loved one to a drunk or impaired driver, contact Avian Law Group today for a free and confidential consultation. Our wrongful death attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions, explain your rights, and begin fighting for the justice your family deserves.

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At Avian Law Group, every life matters — and every tragedy caused by negligence demands accountability. Together, we can help you seek justice, honor your loved one’s memory, and work toward a safer future for all.