Alleged drunk driver in hospital after causing two wrecks

ESCONDIDO (CNS) – A suspected drunken driver blamed for two wrecks on Interstate 15 in Escondido was hospitalized Tuesday.

Dale Robinson, 55, was driving a 2003 Honda Accord north on I-15 about 100 mph when he tried to pass a 2013 Hyundai Sonata about 9:30 p.m. Sunday, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The Sonata, driven by a 33-year-old Moreno Valley woman, was traveling in the No. 1 lane when Robinson tried to pass by using the median, CHP Officer Tommy Doerr said in a statement.

Robinson, a San Diego resident, allegedly sideswiped the Hyundai and continued on.

As he approached a 2009 Toyota Corolla in the No. 3 lane by a 26-year- old Corona woman, Robinson crashed into the rear of the Corolla, sending his vehicle off the right side of the freeway, Doerr said.

Robinson's vehicle overturned and came to rest below the freeway on Centre City Parkway. Doerr said the driver of the Toyota also careened to the right but was able to stop on the freeway shoulder.

Paramedics took Robinson to Palomar Medical Center with major injuries, Doerr said. The driver of the Toyota and her passengers suffered minor injuries.

Robinson was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, according to Doerr.