There are plenty of bad decisions you can make behind the wheel. Driving drunk is one of them. Driving nearly 150 mph through traffic is another.
Combining the two? That’s the kind of decision that usually ends with flashing lights, twisted metal, or much worse.
According to the California Highway Patrol, that’s exactly what unfolded on the evening of July 4 when a driver tore down Interstate 80 at 145 mph while weaving between other vehicles. Instead of immediately chasing the speeding Infiniti from the ground, CHP used one of its airplanes to quietly monitor the vehicle from above until officers could move into position.
Unfortunately, the driver never gave them the chance. Before a traffic stop could even happen, the Infiniti crashed into another vehicle.
145 MPH Was More Than Enough To Get Chp’s Attention
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We reposted the video to the Guessing Headlights YouTube channel, where we condensed the content for easier viewing. According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident began at approximately 9:15 p.m. on July 4 when an officer spotted a black Infiniti traveling westbound on Interstate 80 near Manuel Campos Parkway.
CHP says the driver was traveling approximately 145 mph while weaving through surrounding traffic. Rather than immediately engaging in a high-speed pursuit, a CHP airplane began tracking the Infiniti from overhead while ground units worked to safely position themselves for a traffic stop.
The aerial footage gives a good perspective of just how quickly the vehicle was moving through traffic. Even from the sky, it’s obvious the Infiniti was covering ground at an alarming pace.
CHP Says This Could Have Ended Much Differently
In its original social media post, the California Highway Patrol used the incident as a reminder of just how dangerous impaired driving and excessive speed can be together. The agency wrote, “Driving under the influence and excessive speed are an extremely dangerous—and often deadly—combination. We’re grateful this incident ended with an arrest instead of a funeral.”
CHP also encouraged motorists to slow down, avoid driving while impaired, remain focused behind the wheel, and make responsible choices every time they get on the road.
As with all criminal cases, the driver is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.