Police arrest man suspected of causing 2018 chain reaction Irvine freeway crash that killed woman, injured 8

A 24-year-old man has been arrested in Las Vegas on suspicion of causing a 2018 chain reaction crash on the 5 freeway in Irvine that resulted in the death of a woman and injuries to eight others.

Irving Abel Aguilar-Calixto, of Las Vegas, was booked Wednesday, June 10, on suspicion of murder and felony driving under the influence, the California Highway Patrol said.

The crash happened early on Aug. 23, 2018 when Aguilar-Calixto’s Dodge Challenger was traveling on the southbound 5 freeway and collided with a Toyota Prius, California Highway Patrol Officer Florentino Olivera said. Other crashes followed.

Firefighters responded and found 10 vehicles and several victims near the Alton Parkway exit, authorities said at the time of the crash. In one of those crashes, a 24-year-old Chula Vista woman died and her 6-month old child was found injured, Olivera said. Two others among the injured in other cars were children ages 11 and 10. None of the surviving victims had life-threatening injuries.

Shortly before the crash, the CHP reported Aguilar-Calixto’s car had its hazard lights on and was speeding. He was arrested at the scene on suspicion of felony driving under the influence but then posted bail, Olivera said.

After a lengthy investigation, CHP investigators found that the man was at fault for the death of the woman because he began the chain of crashes, Olivera said.

Orange County court records show he has been charged with murder and five counts of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, all felonies. On Wednesday, June 17 he pleaded not guilty to all charges.