SOLANO COUNTY, CA – A California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer chose not to arrest a 20-year-old driver who was clocked going an astonishing 148 mph in a 65 mph zone on Interstate 80.
The Interception on I-80
The incident occurred on April 15, 2026, when CHP Officer McIntosh, parked in the center median in Solano County, spotted a white Chevrolet C5 Corvette flying past at triple-digit speeds.
The officer initiated a pursuit, accelerating up to 130 mph to catch the vehicle, which had slowed down to 70 mph due to heavy traffic. After ordering the driver to move to a safe location on the shoulder, the officer confronted the young motorist.
When asked why he was driving so fast, the driver gave an unexpected excuse, claiming he was simply “on his way to his grandmother’s house.”
Furious Officer Issues Massive Fine Instead of Jail
As nearby drivers honked in approval of the traffic stop, Officer McIntosh made the severity of the situation clear but ultimately decided against taking the driver to jail or impounding the vehicle.
Instead of a reckless driving arrest, the driver was cited for violating California Vehicle Code section 22348(B) (speeding in excess of 100 mph). While technically categorized as an infraction rather than a criminal misdemeanor, this specific violation carries:
- Extremely hefty financial penalties
- A mandatory court appearance
- A high likelihood of automatic driver’s license suspension by a judge
Public Backlash: “He Should Have Gone To Jail”
Footage of the traffic stop, uploaded by the California Bodycam YouTube channel, quickly went viral, sparking heavy criticism from viewers who believe the driver was let off too easily.
Commenters pointed out that the Corvette also had a passenger inside, significantly increasing the danger. Many noted that in other jurisdictions, such as Florida or Ontario, Canada, driving at this speed results in an automatic vehicle seizure and immediate arrest.
