Fact Check: Viral Video Claims Car Malfunction On Highway In California, But Police Investigation Leads To Arrest Of Driver For Being Intoxicated

A viral video on Instagram claims that an electric Ford malfunctioned on a highway in California, mid-drive. The video shows a car going out of control on the highway, smashing into another car, and continuing to move forward while grinding alongside the road divider. A driver can also be seen sitting in the driver's seat but praying in panic without trying to stop the car. The viral video's claims are now being debunked with a report by Lead Stories.

The report says that after the incident happened, police arrived at the scene and found out that the driver was intoxicated, arrested for drunk driving. California Highway Patrol said the driver was arrested for driving under the influence of intoxicants. The person who posted the claim is not the person who witnessed and filmed the crash.

The video was posted on X by @HustleBitch_. The caption of the video reads, " ELECTRIC FORD MALFUNCTION - STEERING LOCKED, GAS FLOORED ON FREEWAY. The driver was seen praying as the car went out of control before smashing into another vehicle."

WATCH VIDEO:

California Police informed Lead Stories about the crash at that location and then released a statement (archived here) about the claims that it was caused by a malfunctioning vehicle out of the control of driver.

The statement said, "Through our investigation, we determined the vehicle was not operating in autonomous mode and CHP officers arrested the driver on suspicion of driving under the influence, resulting in injuries to another. While we understand public interest in such incidents, video clips may not capture the complete context or investigative process."

ALSO READ: Man Shot Dead During Facebook Live

Final moments of a man were captured when he was streaming live on Facebook, as the 42-year-old was shot dead mid-stream. The incident took place in South Austin, Chicago, a few blocks away from the police station. Chicago police are investigating the fatal incident. The video shows Kevin Watson, 42, getting out of his car during a live stream. Seconds later a gunfire can be heard.