California Highway Patrol officers are investigating a fatal head-on collision that claimed the life of 51-year-old Jose Cesar Belloso Perez early Monday on Highway 12 in San Joaquin County.
According to CHP, Perez was driving a Chevrolet pickup truck eastbound at about 5:51 a.m. when a westbound Honda crossed into the eastbound lanes while attempting to pass a semi-truck near Guard Road.
Authorities said the vehicles collided head-on, causing the Chevrolet to leave the roadway and burst into flames.
Perez was pronounced dead at the scene. The Honda driver, a 31-year-old man from North Highlands, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
CHP arrested the Honda driver on suspicion of DUI and manslaughter. The investigation into the collision remains ongoing.