Fatal I-80 crash near Penryn Road results in DUI arrest

A three-vehicle crash on Interstate 80, east of Penryn Road, resulted in a fatality and an arrest Friday afternoon. The collision took place around 4:05 p.m. and involved a GMC Sierra, Toyota Highlander and Toyota Sienna. According to the CHP Auburn collision report, the driver of the GMC was traveling eastbound on the interstate at an unsafe speed for slowing traffic ahead of his vehicle and looked down at his phone, resulting in the GMC striking the rear of the Highlander. The impact caused the front of the Highlander to hit the rear of the Sienna. CHP officers began medical aid upon arriving at the scene due to finding one driver unresponsive. The report noted it was determined the driver of the Highlander, identified as a 57-year-old male from Meadow Vista, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Placer County Fire personnel. CHP confirmed the driver and passengers in the Sienna sustained minor injuries. The driver of the GMC, identified as Donald H. Harmon, 66, of Meadow Vista, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and was transported to Sutter Roseville Medical Center with moderate injuries. CHP reported Interstate 80 was shut down for three hours. The cause of the collision is under investigation.