Drunk Driver Crashes into Semi on I-380

(Photo credit Jeff Raasch)

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Sep 25, 2009 at 10:02 AM CST

Story Updated: Sep 25, 2009 at 4:07 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - A car driven by a drunk driver crashed into a semi on I-380 in Cedar Rapids, slowing traffic on Friday morning.

A car and semi collided around 10:40 a.m. Friday in the southbound lanes between the H Avenue and Seventh Street exits. Police say no one was injured.

Officers found a car driven by Pedro Chavez, 37, of Cedar Rapids, had hit the side of a semi driven by Matthew Knudsen, 27, of Waterloo. Chavez then struck the retaining wall along the interstate and came to a stop. Police say Chavez pulled into the semi’s lane. Chavez’s car was damaged, but the semi wasn't damaged.

Chavez was tested and found to be driving under the influence. Chavez was also found to be in the country illegally. The vehicle he was driving had improper plates.

Chavez was charged with No Iowa DL, No Insurance, Improper use of Plates, Failure to maintain control and OWI. He was taken to the Linn County Jail and ICE was notified.

There were two passengers in the vehicle that were also undocumented but there were no other charges so they were released.

Prior to officers arriving, Chavez called a friend to come and help. When the friend, Nicholas Soliz, 31, of Cedar Rapids, showed up. Soliz too had no Iowa driver's license. His vehicle was also towed and impounded for proof of ownership. Soliz was also taken to Linn County Jail for being undocumented.

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