A suspected drink driver was arrested after a deadly three car crash in Huntington Beach on June 25, 2015. (Credit: KTLA)
The major-injury collision occurred at the intersection of Newland Street and Adams Avenue around 7:35 p.m. Thursday, a short time after 911 dispatchers received a call about a possible drunk driver in the area, according to a news release from the Huntington Beach Police Department.
Based on the preliminary investigation, a silver 2000 Nissan Frontier was traveling southbound on Newland when it collided with a silver 2004 Toyota Tacoma, which was traveling northbound on the street, the release stated. The force of the crash sent the Toyota into a light pole, while the Nissan hit the GMC, which was stopped in westbound lanes on Adams.
The Toyota sustained major damage to the passenger side of the vehicle, and a 14-year-old passenger was trapped inside, police officials said in the release.
Paramedics from the Huntington Beach Fire Department used heavy rescue equipment to free the critically injured teen, then rushed him to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
He was later pronounced dead at the hospital, according to the release.
The victim, whose name has not yet been released, was a resident of Trabuco Canyon, police said.
His 18-year-old cousin, who was driving the Toyota, was transported to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana for moderate injuries, while an 18-year-old passenger sustained minor injuries and was taken to UCI Medical Center, authorities said.
Police said the driver was taking his two cousins home after eating with relatives at the time of the crash.
The driver of the Nissan — who was believed to have been related to the initial call of a possible drunk driver — was injured and taken to an area hospital for treatment, according to the release.
He has been arrested on suspicion of felony DUI resulting in death, and driving while unlicensed, police said.
The man was only identified as a 39-year-old resident of Santa Ana. Police stated they would not release his name until police could positively identify him.
The driver of the GMC was not injured in the collision.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information about the crash, or who may have witnessed it, to contact Investigator Robert Barr at 714-536-5666 or Investigator Josh Page at 714-536-5670.
During non-business hours or on weekends, callers can reach the Huntington Beach Police Department by dialing 714-960-8825.