DUI Suspect Critically Hurt, Passenger Killed In Santa Ana Crash
SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — A man suspected of driving drunk and speeding careened his BMW sport sedan Saturday into a concrete freeway barrier in Santa Ana.
The driver was critically injured and a man seated in the passenger seat died, according to Santa Ana police Sgt. Don Humphrey.
Shortly after 2 a.m., the motorist was heading eastbound on 1st Street, approaching a 5 Freeway over-crossing near Western Avenue, when he sped through several red lights, according to witnesses.
The BMW plowed into a concrete barrier on the southeast corner of the freeway on-ramp, crushing the front of the vehicle and damaging the barrier.
Officers say the needle of the BMW's speedometer was stuck at 82 mph after the impact.
The man in the passenger seat, 21-year-old Bryan Meza, of Rancho Santa Margarita, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver was taken to a hospital and listed in critical condition. Police have not released his name, only saying that he's in his 20s.
Police say he was driving without a license and has been issued a California Index number for his history of speeding violations. They suspect he may have been driving under the influence.
Humphrey says the investigation is ongoing and charges against the driver are pending.
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