Wrong-way driver in New Year’s Day crash on I-70 charged with DWI

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man accused of causing a head-on crash Wednesday morning on Interstate 70 has been charged with a felony.

Eslin Jesus Lopez-Regaldo, 20, was charged with driving while intoxicated and three misdemeanors: Driving on the wrong side of the road, driving without a license and not having vehicle insurance. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. An initial court appearance was held on Thursday. Jail records indicate he is from Grandview, but court records list his address as Columbia.

Lopez-Regaldo drove westbound in the eastbound lane of Interstate 70 and caused a head-on collision around 3 a.m. Wednesday near mile marker 122, the probable cause statement says. He allegedly admitted to driving the vehicle and a deputy wrote that Lopez-Regaldo appeared intoxicated, the statement says.

Lopez-Regaldo provided law enforcement a breath sample and his blood alcohol content was .162, court documents say. A passenger in his vehicle had two broken femurs, the statement says.