GARDEN GROVE – A street race down Garden Grove Blvd. resulted in a three-car collision and injuries to a woman and three children.
On Sunday February 24th, 2019, at 8:04 PM, the Garden Grove Police Department responded to a scene that involved a collision of three vehicles, one of which had rolled over during the crash.
Two of the drivers were identified as Anaheim resident Robert Gonzales (28), who was driving a 2009 Black Mercedes, and Costa Mesa resident Eric Benitez (24), who was driving a 2017 Black Dodge Charger.
The two were reportedly engaging in a high speed street race westbound on Garden Grove Blvd. The match culminated in a collision between their two vehicles, as well as an additional vehicle, driven by an adult female. The crash caused one of the vehicles to roll over.
Gonzales exited his vehicle and fled the scene with the intent to dispose of a large bag of illegal narcotics. Officers ran after Gonzalez and, after a short-lived skirmish, were able to restrain and arrest him. He received charges of possession/transportation for sale of narcotics, resisting arrest, and a probation violation.
The female driver, as well as the three children in her car, reported feeling pain as a result of the crash. They were all subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Both Gonzales and Benitez were both arrested and charged with involvement in a street race.
