Suspected DUI driver crashes during pursuit by Sheriff’s Deputies

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org

Suspected DUI Driver Crashes During Pursuit by Deputies

LAKE FOREST, Calif. – (January 10, 2015) – On Friday, January 9, 2015 at approximately 10:30 p.m., Orange County Sheriff’s deputies initiated a pursuit of a 2002 Ford Explorer in the area of Toledo Way and Serrano Road. The driver of the vehicle was suspected by deputies of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Deputies pursued the vehicle for approximately (5) minutes through the cities of Lake Forest, Irvine and Mission Viejo. The pursuit terminated on southbound Trabuco Road near Carlota Road, Mission Viejo, when the vehicle was unable to negotiate a curve in the road and collided with an embankment.

As a result of the collision, the 18 year-old female driver was ejected from the vehicle and suffered life-threatening injuries. She was transported to a nearby hospital where she remains in grave condition. A 20-year old male passenger in the vehicle sustained moderate injuries and remains hospitalized; an 18 year-old female passenger in the vehicle sustained minor injuries and was treated and released from an area hospital.

Based on the subsequent investigation following the pursuit and collision, it was determined the vehicle was reported stolen on January 7, 2015. In addition, an amount of illegal narcotics was also located at the scene. Investigators are continuing to pursue additional information and collect evidence located inside the vehicle.

Due to the driver having suffered significant injuries during the collision, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) was requested to handle the traffic collision investigation. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Traffic Bureau will maintain responsibility for the criminal investigation.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7000 or (949) 425-1860. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.

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