A man in his mid-20s died after he was fatally struck by multiple vehicles after he apparently exited a car on the 5 Freeway in Tustin, according to the CHP.
The incident happend at about 10 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, on the southbound 5 freeway at the Tustin Ranch Road off-ramp, according to the CHP.
The man, who may have been from the Irvine area, opened his passenger door and exited a gray Toyota Prius before he was struck by several vehicles.
The female driver of the Toyota Prius stayed behind and spoke to officers after the incident, according to County News Services.
The CHP did not reveal the driver’s identity or that of the victim. Nor do they know if the victim fell, jumped, or was pushed from the vehicle.
After the incident all of the lanes of the freeway were closed, reopening at 12:59 a.m.
The OC Coroner reported to the scene. At some point they will release the identity of the victim and may perhaps test the victim’s blood to see if he was under the influence.
Because the investigation is still ongoing and the circumstances surrounding how the man exited the vehicle are unclear, it’s too early to say definitively whether the driver will face any legal consequences. Her cooperation with law enforcement is a positive factor, but any potential charges would depend on findings such as:
- Whether there was any negligence or impairment.
- The nature of the relationship and interaction between the driver and the man.
- Any evidence of coercion or foul play.