DUI driver arrested after a fatal hit and run crash involving a motorcyclist in north Orange County

On June 12, 2024, at approximately 9:45 PM, Fullerton Police Officers were dispatched to W. Orangethorpe Ave. and S. Gilbert St. regarding a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.

Upon arrival, officers determined that the collision involved a 1999 blue BMW 323i and a 2019 black Harley-Davidson motorcycle, both of which sustained significant damage.

The rider of the Harley Davidson, an adult male, was located east of the intersection and was pronounced deceased.

A preliminary investigation indicates that the Harley Davidson was stopped on Orangethorpe Ave. in the eastbound number two lane at Gilbert St. because of the red light. The blue BMW was traveling eastbound on Orangethorpe Ave. in the number two lane approaching Gilbert St. The driver of the BMW maintained its speed and failed tostop for the red light or avoid the motorcycle and collided with the rear of the Harley Davidson and ejected the rider. The driver of the BMW continued traveling eastbound on Orangethorpe Ave with the Harley Davidson wedged underneath the front of the vehicle for a significant distance.

Witnesses to the collisions followed the BMW and detained the driver until Fullerton Police Officers arrived.

The driver of the BMW, Francisco Garcia-Vargas (44, Fullerton) was subsequently placed under arrest for driving without a license, for felony driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

The deceased motorcyclist’s identity will be released later by the Orange County Coroner’s Office.

Accident Investigators are seeking further information from anyone who might have witnessed this collision. Any witnesses with information about this traffic collision are encouraged to contact Fullerton Police Traffic Accident Investigator Manes at (714) 738-6815 or via email at jmanes@fullertonpd.org.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1 (855) TIP-OCCS or visit their website at www.occrimestoppers.org.