A 41-year-old Los Banos man died traffic accident Monday on Highway 156 near San Felipe Road.
The fatality victim was Florencio P. Lopez, according to the San Benito County Coroner’s Office.
The incident involving two vehicles occurred at 3:05 p.m. east of San Felipe Road, and a 26-year-old Modesto man – Russell D. Longworth – was sent to Natividad Medical Center with major injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Longworth was arrested at the incident scene on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Longworth was in a 2006 Toyota Tacoma westbound on 156 driving about 55 mph while approaching the Los Banos man in a 2010 VW Jetta driving eastbound on 156, also going about 55 mph.
For an unknown reason, the Toyota driver crossed the double-yellow lines and entered the eastbound lane, colliding with the Jetta head on.
The investigation is continuing, while citizens with information about the collision are encouraged to call Officer Ryan Moore at (408) 848-2324.
