CHP: Driver Rolls Vehicle, Leaps From Bridge

A Pacific Grove driver in a Toyota lost control of his vehicle on Highway 1 early Sunday morning, causing it to roll near the Pajaro River Bridge, California Highway Patrol reported.

Michael Whallen, 43, was driving his 2001 Toyota Echo southbound on Highway 1, south of State Route 129 in Watsonville, when his vehicle left the roadway, hit a dirt shoulder and rolled. The vehicle stopped on the roadway, blocking traffic, CHP reported.

For an unknown reason, Whallen got out of his vehicle and jumped over the barrier wall and into the river, CHP reported. Whallen swam to the shore and waited there for emergency workers to arrive.

Whallen was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. He was airlifted to Regional Medical Center in San Jose, where he was treated for minor injuries, CHP said.