According to a recent article appearing in The Orange County Register, a driver has been arrested on suspicion of DUI after a fatal crash at the intersection of Main Street and West Sycamore Avenue in Orange.
Orange Police Department Police Sgt. Phil McMullin told reporters in a statement that police officers were called to the scene on Sunday, July 18, 2021, shortly after 4:00 p.m.
According to the statement, the male driver of a Mazda Protégé was attempting a left turn at the intersection when he was struck from behind by a Honda being driven by 23-year-old Manuel Antonio Sanchez Contreras. Investigators believe Contreras was traveling at a high rate of speed when he rear-ended the Mazda.
The driver of the Mazda was declared dead at the scene of the crash.
Police investigators say that Contreras was not injured in the crash and remained at the fatal crash scene to speak with police officers. During the investigation, police officers observed Contreras displaying several behaviors consistent with intoxication by alcohol or drugs.
Contreras was placed under arrest under the charges of DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter.
If convicted of the charges against him, Contreras could serve 6-10 years in state prison. Our condolences go out to the family of the slain victim.
