Orange County Man Faces DUI Charges after Allegedly Striking Family of Four, Killing Infant
An Orange County man has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after allegedly driving his car off the road and striking a family of three as they were out for a walk.
According to a press release by the Capistrano CHP, the accident occurred in Las Flores on Sunday, April 2nd, at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Antonio Parkway northbound, south of Oaktree in California. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) received a report of a vehicle versus pedestrians incident and dispatched officers to the scene.
Police say that a 54-year-old man from San Clemente was driving a 2017 Hyundai Sonata northbound on Antonio Parkway when he left the roadway and traveled several hundred feet on the east sidewalk, colliding with a family of three. The family, a 34-year-old man, a 31-year-old woman, and their 11-month-old infant child in a stroller, were walking northbound on the east sidewalk of Antonio Parkway, south of Oaktree.
The impact of the collision resulted in all four individuals being transported to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. Despite the efforts of the Orange County Fire Authority, paramedics, doctors and nurses, the infant child succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The man and woman suffered major injuries and required treatment, police said.
Following the accident, the driver of the Hyundai Sonata was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs. The incident is still under investigation and authorities have not yet released any further information regarding the cause of the accident or the identity of those involved.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is strongly encouraged to contact Officer Kinsey at the CHP Capistrano Area office at 949-670-7030.
Driving under the influence is a serious offense due to its dangerous and, in this case, tragic potential outcomes. Citizens are expected to know their limits and act accordingly by making arrangements for alternative transportation.
