A fatal traffic accident occurred Saturday night on I-15 northbound, just north of Temecula Parkway, resulting in the death of one individual and the arrest of another, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
At approximately 9:52 pm on September 14, the CHP Border Communication Center broadcasted details of a solo vehicle crash involving a 2011 Toyota Camry. The vehicle came to rest perpendicular to traffic lanes on the right shoulder of I-15 just north of Temecula Valley Parkway. The driver of the Toyota, identified as Party #2, exited the vehicle and was standing outside the driver’s door.
As Party #2 stood by her vehicle, a second car and driver, identified as Party #1, was traveling northbound on I-15 at around 70 miles per hour. An uninvolved vehicle swerved to avoid the scene, but Party #1 was unable to react in time and struck both Party #2 and the Toyota. Party #2 suffered fatal injuries from the impact.
Witnesses stopped to provide aid immediately following the crash. However, Party #1 fled the scene on foot. CHP officers, in collaboration with the Temecula Police Department, conducted a brief search and located Party #1. The individual was identified as the driver responsible for the fatal collision and was arrested on charges of murder, felony DUI, and felony hit-and-run.
Party #1 sustained minor injuries and was transported to Inland Valley Medical Center for treatment before being booked into the Cois M. Byrd Detention Center around 8 am on Sunday morning.
The CHP Temecula Area office is investigating the incident and encourages anyone with information to contact Officer J. Cox at jucox@chp.ca.gov or (951) 466-4300.
The CHP also reminds the public of the dangers of driving under the influence. “DUI’s are 100% preventable. If you drink or consume anything that may impair you, don’t drive,” the agency stated.
