KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
A fatal crash on the 14 Freeway in the northbound lanes, north of Soledad Canyon Road, prompted a DUI investigation Sunday morning, officials said.
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Joe Lopez, 25, of Littlerock, was arrested on vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI charges Sunday morning, according to Sheriff’s Station officials.
California Highway Patrol officers are still investigating what caused Lopez’ 2004 Toyota Matrix to drift from the rightmost lane to the shoulder around 5:25 a.m. Sunday, when he crashed into the rear of the victim’s vehicle.
The victim, who was parked in a 2007 Toyota Corolla on the righthand shoulder of the 14 Freeway, was declared dead at the scene by first responders. Fire personnel arrived on scene at 5:40 a.m. and reported that a vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.
The decedent was not identified by CHP officials pending the next-of-kin notification by the Coroner’s Office.
Lopez was arrested at the scene of the collision, according to CHP officials.
He’s being held in lieu of $100,000 bail, and expected in court Tuesday, per Sheriff’s Department records.
Anyone with information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact Officer Sanchez at the Newhall CHP Office at (661) 294-5540.
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DUI is the cause of this collision. This is NOT an accident this is murder when you drive drunk, no excuse.
I completely agree having been a chronic DUI offender for to many years (5 DUI’s in 30 years) I believe it is a conciece choice I made before I started drinking and if I hurt or kill someone it was not an accident it was 100% my responsibility and qualifies as murder.
Definitely felony vehicular homicide if proven. Will see what the court decides when charges are filed. If he wasn’t dui still vehicular manslaughter.
This man Joe Lopez apparently had a DUI in 2015 he has a restricted license supposed to only allowed to drive to work and home. This night he left to party with his friends before commiting this crime.
Drinking and driving is a deadly combination.
Seems to be an endless amour t of douches from Palmdale driving home loaded everyday on the 14. Sad
I live in Palmdale and every time I have to take the freeway, I pray. It’s irrational and vindictive how people drive showing no remorse, no caring. God protect us, because you barely see any law enforcement.
Yeah not surprised this happen almost daily I drive between the 14 and the 5 and the 14 is always flooded with reckless drivers it makes me anxious til I return to the 5 freeway
Very sad for the innocent person that was killed. That said, the same punishment should apply to people who text and drive.
I absolutely agree!!!!
That is SO true; the punishment for texting and driving needs to be severe. People do not take it seriously enough!
we need to invent cars that detect alcohol levels on people’s breath. Like, the car won’t start until you take its breathalizer test.
There are interlock devices such as you mention, they are installed per court order for DUI offenders. But you have to catch them first. Plenty out there simply have not been caught.
I saw this on my way southbound. The poor guy was cooked to death! I have not seen any updates from any news source on this matter. The 14fwy can use some more law enforcement. Don’t see why not. The citations will pay for the law presence.
I was on my way to work with my 3 girls that day, so when I saw the victim’s body in a bag my heart broke. I can’t imagine how devastated his family is. My prayers and deepest condolences go to the victim’s family. May he rest in peace and may God give his family the comfort and strength they need. God bless you.