A Kern County man has been convicted of leading California Highway Patrol officers on a high-speed DUI chase that hit speeds of up to 120 miles per hour on Interstate 5 in February, according to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office.
Arnulfo Quintana Sandoval was found guilty on Friday of evading a peace officer and driving under the influence after the dangerous pursuit on February 10, 2025.
The chase began around 9:09 p.m., when a CHP officer attempted to stop Sandoval’s Porsche Cayenne, which was speeding at 118 mph on southbound I-5, just north of Main Drain Road.
Investigators said Sandoval turned off his headlights and fled, passing two semi-trucks on the right shoulder while exceeding 100 mph. He continued to accelerate, reaching 120 mph, before exiting at Rowlee Road and Buttonwillow Drive.
Officers later found Sandoval’s vehicle parked on West 3rd Street near Buttonwillow Drive.
Sandoval, who showed clear signs of intoxication, was arrested as the sole occupant of the car, which was registered in his name.
“In choosing to drive recklessly while under the influence, the defendant showed a blatant disregard for the safety of others. That choice has a legal consequence, one that Sandoval must now face,”
— Assistant District Attorney Kenneth Russell
The Kern County court also confirmed that Sandoval had a prior prison term, further impacting his sentencing.
He now faces up to three years in state prison.
Leave a Reply