Preliminary investigation findings indicate 33-year-old Gabrielle Monique Valdez of Bakersfield was driving a 2018 Chevrolet Impala southbound in the northbound lane of Highway 99 when the crash occurred
Bakersfield, CA – A Bakersfield woman was arrested on suspicion of DUI following a wrong-way crash on Highway 99 that injured two people Saturday night, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The collision occurred on northbound Highway 99 near Rosedale Highway at approximately 9:10 p.m. on May 9, 2026.
Preliminary investigation findings indicate 33-year-old Gabrielle Monique Valdez of Bakersfield was driving a 2018 Chevrolet Impala southbound in the No. 1 lane of northbound Highway 99 at an unknown speed. At the same time, an 18-year-old woman was driving a 2003 Honda Accord northbound on Highway 99 when the front of the Chevrolet collided with the Honda.
Both Valdez and the other sustained minor to moderate injuries and were transported to Kern Medical for treatment. Authorities later arrested Valdez on suspicion of driving under the influence.
CHP officers and emergency responders arrived at the scene and assisted the injured victims before they were taken to the hospital.
The collision caused disruptions along northbound Highway 99 near Rosedale Highway as authorities investigated and cleared the roadway.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.