DUI Driver Arrested for Murder After Fatal 14 Freeway Crash

KHTS 98.1 FM reports that a driver who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol was arrested on the charge of murder in connection to a fatal crash along the 14 Freeway north of Santa Clarita.

Investigators say that the fatal crash happened at approximately 1:15 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021, when the driver of a black 2002 Chevrolet pickup truck was traveling northbound on the 14 Freeway near Putnam Mine Road was rear-ended by a 2014 Buick sedan traveling at a high rate of speed.

According to California Highway Patrol Officer Josh Greengard, the force of the impact caused the pickup truck to go off the road and overturn. The driver sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was declared dead at the scene. 

A passenger inside the pickup truck sustained major injuries and was rushed to an area hospital for treatment.

The suspect driver of the Buick has been identified as 35-year-old Robert Deloya of Palmdale. Deloya was placed under arrest on the charge of suspicion of DUI and DUI murder. Deloya was transported and booked into the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, where he is currently being held.  

Deloya’s bail has been set at $2,000,000.

The CHP is asking anyone with any information regarding the fatal crash to contact Officer Cisneros with the California Highway Patrol Newhall Area Office at (661) 600-1600.

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