KTLA reports on a teen driver who is suspected of DUI, hit-and-run, and manslaughter in a head-on crash.
An underage DUI suspect is facing multiple charges in connection with a deadly hit-and-run accident that happened on Sunday.
The collision occurred at about 6:45 a.m. in the 2900 block of Live Oak Canyon Road in Redlands, California.
18-year-old Miguel Ochoa Torres initially fled the scene after driving a Mustang which collided head-on with a motorcycle being driven by 74-year-old Herbert Long. According to the police report, Torres was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the accident. Torres was discovered in a nearby ravine and subsequently arrested.
Long died at the scene of the accident. Also in the Mustang was a passenger who was taken to a hospital to be treated for their injuries. Torres was also taken to the hospital for treatment prior to being booked into jail.
Torres is facing charges of driving while intoxicated and hit-and-run manslaughter.
California requires that both parties involved in an accident remain at the scene until police arrive. Even if the party who was not at fault leaves, they can be charged with a hit-and-run charge. A hit-and-run that involves property damage may be charged as a misdemeanor. However, a hit-and-run involving injury or a fatality will be charged as a felony. If the hit-and-run is committed in conjunction with a DUI, a person will face both charges. Hit-and-run can be an “enhancement” charge, which can make the penalties a person would face much more serious.
