Driver arrested for drunk driving after CHP removes vehicle from Northern California waterway

(FOX40.COM) — The California Highway Patrol said it recently arrested a driver after he was found trapped in a submerged vehicle in a San Joaquin County waterway.

The CHP said two of its officers were called to White Slough, about 11 miles northwest of Stockton, after several people reported seeing a vehicle crossing all lanes of traffic and leaving the road.

When officers arrived on scene, the CHP said they initially found no vehicles; however, they began to hear someone inside the vehicle banging on the window in an attempt to get out.

One of the CHP officers jumped into the water and used a police baton to break the passenger window and allow the driver to exit the vehicle.

Stockton firefighters arrived on scene a short time later and used their crane and rescue basket to remove the driver and CHP officer from White Slough, the CHP said.

“The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence,” the agency added. “Stockton CHP would like to remind you to never drive drunk and to always designate a sober driver.”