On August 17, 2025, at around 9:42 A.M., the Garden Grove Police Department received reports of a traffic accident involving a vehicle versus a motorcycle in the 9100 block of Garden Grove Blvd.
Police Officers arrived at the scene and found the rider of the motorcycle unresponsive.
Orange County Fire Authority personnel assessed the rider’s injuries, and the rider was pronounced deceased at the scene. Alcohol and/or drugs are considered to be a factor of the collision and the suspect was arrested.
The investigation was taken over by the Garden Grove Police Department’s Neighborhood Traffic Unit, and the cause of the collision is still under review. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has relevant information, or possesses video footage is urged to contact Investigator Lang at 714-741-5823 or via email at mlang@ggcity.org.
- LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 9100 Block of Garden Grove Blvd, City of Garden Grove
- DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: 8/17/2025 @ 9:42 A.M.
PARTIES INVOLVED:
- Driver / Suspect: Male / 28yr old/ Resident of Garden Grove
- Victim: Male / 34yr old / Resident of Long Beach
VEHICLES INVOLVED:
- Gold 2001 Honda Odyssey
- Blue 2005 Suzuki Motorcycle
In California, if someone is arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) and causes a fatal accident—such as the one involving a motorcyclist in Garden Grove—they may face several serious criminal and civil penalties depending on the circumstances. Here’s a plain-text summary of what the suspect could be facing:
Criminal Penalties
- Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and fines.
- Felony: Up to 10 years in state prison.
- Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated:
- Considered more severe due to reckless behavior.
- Penalty: 10 years to life in prison, plus fines up to $10,000.
- DUI Murder (Watson Murder):
- If the suspect had prior DUI education or convictions and knowingly endangered lives, they could be charged with second-degree murder.
- Penalty: 15 years to life in prison.
- Driver’s License Suspension:
- Suspension or revocation for several years depending on the conviction.
- Restitution:
- Court-ordered payments to the victim’s family for funeral costs, lost income, and other damages.
Civil Liability
- The victim’s family may file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking:
- Economic damages: funeral expenses, lost future income.
- Non-economic damages: pain and suffering, loss of companionship .
- If damages exceed the suspect’s insurance coverage, personal assets may be seized to satisfy the judgment.