DUI Suspect Arrested After Crash Results in Death of a Woman

California Highway Patrol sources reported the death of a 28-year-old Commerce woman, who was killed early Sunday after a collision with a suspected drunk driver.

It is unknown whether the person arrested was believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. California drug laws result in different penalties than driving under the influence laws.

Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Lidia Ortega. According to authorities, she was riding in a 2001 Acura Integra when the collision occurred on the 60 Freeway near Montebello just west of Paramount Boulevard.

The crash occurred at about 1:35 a.m. She died at the scene. Highway Patrol stated that she was not “properly restrained” in the vehicle.

Ortega and a male friend were sitting in the backseat of the vehicle, and both were ejected after the crash. The driver and other passenger were transported to the hospital with moderate to major injuries, according to authorities.

Police arrested the driver of the car believed to have caused the crash on suspicion of DUI. Officials say that the driver lost control of his vehicle before striking the divider in the center of the highway. His vehicle veered to the right and hit the Acura.  The suspect’s identity has not been revealed. Police identified the driver only as a 24-year old Rosemead resident.

News Source: www.latimes.com