On Sunday night, just before 8:00 p.m., patrol officers and Orange City Fire department personnel responded to a collision involving a pedestrian and a vehicle in the area of La Veta Avenue and Devon Road, according to the Orange Police Department.
An intoxicated man was driving a sedan east on La Veta Avenue and the 80-year-old man was walking south across the street outside of a marked crosswalk.
The elderly man was declared dead at the scene.
The police are investigating whether Reyes was speeding at the time of the collision, according to the Orange Police Department.
The suspected drunk driver was identified as 26-year-old Bryan Reyes from Santa Ana. Reyes was arrested for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and was booked at OCJ.
The Traffic Unit responded and assumed the investigation.
La Veta Avenue was closed in both directions from Silktree Cir. to Bedford Road for approximately six hours.
Anyone with information can contact Det. A. Rocha at 714-744-7342.
The victim’s identity has not been released by the police yet pending notification of any family.
Here’s a summary of the legal, financial, and professional consequences Bryan Reyes may face following his arrest for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in California:
Legal Penalties
Bryan Reyes is charged under California Penal Code 191.5(a), which applies when someone causes a fatal crash while driving under the influence and acting with gross negligence.
If convicted:
- He faces 4, 6, or 10 years in state prison.
- He may be fined up to $10,000.
- His driver’s license will be revoked for at least three years.
- If he has prior DUI-related convictions, the sentence could increase to 15 years to life.
Impact on Auto Insurance
A conviction for DUI manslaughter will have a severe impact on his auto insurance:
- His current policy will likely be canceled or not renewed.
- If he obtains new insurance, it will be through a high-risk provider, and premiums could increase by 50% to 300% or more.
- He will be required to file an SR-22, a certificate proving financial responsibility, which is often needed for reinstating driving privileges.
- The conviction will remain on his driving record for 10 years, affecting insurance rates throughout that time 2.
Impact on Employment
A felony DUI manslaughter conviction can significantly affect Bryan’s job prospects:
- Background checks will reveal the conviction, which may disqualify him from many roles, especially in transportation, healthcare, education, law enforcement, and government.
- California’s Fair Chance Act (Ban the Box law) protects applicants from being asked about criminal history on job applications, but employers can still revoke job offers after reviewing background checks.
- If Bryan is currently employed, especially in a role that involves driving or has strict conduct policies, he may be terminated.
- If he holds or seeks a professional license (e.g., real estate, medical, legal), he may face disciplinary action or suspension.
Make jaywalking illegal again. Sure the driver shouldn’t have been drunk, but jaywalking when it’s dark out in the middle of a busy street with speeding cars approaching is a really bad idea. Safe streets need good drivers, but also appropriate bike and pedestrian behaviors.