MERCED COUNTY — A Merced man suspected of driving under the influence was arrested Sunday night after a head‑on collision on State Route 140 that left three people with major injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash was reported at about 7:29 p.m. Jan. 25 east of Rogers Road, where CHP officers arrived to find a 2011 Toyota Prius and a 2011 Nissan Altima heavily damaged in the roadway. Investigators said Francisco Nicholas Juan, 46, of Merced, was driving the Prius eastbound at an unknown speed when, for reasons still under investigation, he crossed over the solid double‑yellow lines into the westbound lane.

The Prius struck the westbound Nissan head‑on. The Nissan was driven by a 25‑year‑old Newman woman, with a 30‑year‑old Newman woman riding in the front passenger seat. Both women suffered major injuries and were flown to Modesto‑area hospitals.

Juan also sustained major injuries and was airlifted to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto. CHP said all three people involved were wearing seatbelts.

Officers determined Juan was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash and arrested him on suspicion of felony DUI.

The collision remains under investigation. Media inquiries may be directed to CHP Public Information Officer Eric C. Zuniga at (209) 356‑6608. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Investigating Officer Jose Escobar at (209) 356‑6600.