Alleged DUI Driver Attempts U-Turn on I-15 in Temecula

A driver who allegedly attempted to make an illegal u-turn Monday on Interstate 15 in Temecula was arrested, a California Highway Patrol spokesperson said.

At about 2:10 p.m. Monday, "drivers watched in dismay as a Ford F150 pick up, driven by Marlies Petersen of San Marcos, stopped in the center median of northbound Interstate 15, north of Temecula Parkway and made a left turn," said CHP Officer Nathan Baer, in a news release.

Petersen allegedly drove toward the median wall and attempted to drive through it at low speeds, according to Baer.

"The driver then backed up and attempted to drive through the concrete median wall, also known as a K-rail, a second time," Baer said. "The pick up became stuck in the soft dirt of the center median and the driver tried to get the vehicle unstuck."

Baer said Menifee resident Dave Iverson had been following the driver and had previously called 911 to report the alleged erratic driving.

"Mr. Iverson saw that the driver had placed the F150 in reverse and was flooring it,' trying to get the vehicle unstuck," Baer said.

Iverson told Baer he was worried the truck might end up on the freeway if it successfully became unstuck, so he pulled into the center median.

Iverson was able to convince the driver to stop reversing and give him the keys, Baer said.

A few minutes later, when Baer arrived on scene, he said it was clear the driver was "highly intoxicated and had difficulty standing and walking on her own."

"The driver stated that she thought she was heading toward Valley Center," Baer said.

Petersen, 53, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and booked at Southwest Detention Center.