The Los Angeles Times reports that a suspected DUI driver has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol after he drove his truck over a median and hit three cars in a left turn lane.
According to a statement given by Lt. Ed Everett of the Costa Mesa Police Department, police were called to the intersection of Newport Boulevard and Broadway on Sunday, August 1, 2021, at approximately 9:00 p.m. on a report of a multi-vehicle collision with injuries.
Eyewitnesses to the incident told police officers that a GMC pickup truck driver was heading northbound on Newport Boulevard. The driver either lost control or swerved his vehicle, struck a raised median and then collided with three vehicles in the southbound turn lane.
Two people in the vehicles were reported to have suffered minor injuries and were taken to an area hospital for treatment.
Police arrested 28-year-old Victor Manuel Carpio at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Carpio kicked a police officer during his arrest, and an improperly stored firearm was found inside his truck. In addition to DUI charges, Carpio is now facing charges of causing injury while intoxicated, resisting arrest, battery of a police officer and illegally carrying a concealed firearm.
Carpio is currently being held at the Orange County Intake Release Center for Men. Carpio’s bond has been set at $100,000. He is scheduled to appear in an Orange County court on Tuesday, August 3.
