SANTEE (CBS 8) - Investigators say a drunk driver, who was heading the wrong way on State Route 52 overnight, is in custody for hitting and killing a 25-year-old Clairemont man.
The suspect, 23-year-old April Thompson, crashed head on into Jayme Midlam's car.
For Midlam it was like any other night, he had just finished working a double shift and was on his way home. The crash happened just before 1:00 a.m. in Santee. Authorities say April Thompson, who was driving a heavy duty, Chevrolet 2500, was driving the wrong way on Eastbound 52 just past Mast Boulevard.
Thompson collided head on with Midlam 's 1972 Volkswagen Beetle. The impact was so severe that CHP had to cut through parts of the VW bug, during the rescue.
Authorities say the Chevrolet driver was traveling Westbound in the Eastbound lane at approximately 70 miles an hour.
Friends say Midlam was working his way up to become a UPS driver. Midlam was outgoing and had a great smile. His death has left his family and friends devastated.
Scott Boyce, a family friend, says that Midlam was on the right track, holding down two jobs and excited about owning a vintage 1970's VW bug:
"He loved it. He just got it a little while ago."
The former bartender says he recently warned Midlam to be careful on the roads working late and never thought the 25-year-old could end up a statistic.
Thompson was placed under arrest after being treated. She's been booked into the Las Colinas Detention Facility. Thompson is being charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. She is scheduled to be arraigned January 3. Her bail is set at $300,000.
Midlam was the only child in his family. He is survived by his mom Karen.