CBS News reports that a driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, was arrested for their role in a crash on the 71 Freeway that killed one person and injured four others on Sunday.
According to a statement released by the Pomona Police Department, the fatal crash happened on Sunday, July 2, at approximately 10:00 p.m. just north of Rio Rancho Road in both the northbound and southbound lanes of the freeway.
Police say that a flatbed tow truck that had been heading northbound on State Route 71 had been struck by another vehicle. The force of the impact sent the tow truck over the center divider and into the southbound lanes of traffic. The tow truck was immediately struck by a southbound minivan.
First responders at the crash site declared the male driver of the minivan dead at the scene.
Paramedics with the Pomona Fire Department told reporters that four others were hurt in the crash and were taken to an area hospital for treatment of injuries varying in severity.
Authorities have identified the driver of the car that caused the initial collision as 33-year-old Mari Shoemate of Alisa Viejo. Shoemate was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and vehicular manslaughter.
Pomona Police are asking anyone with further information about the crash to contact investigators at (909) 802-7741.
