Man dead, driver arrested in Santa Ana pedestrian crash

A 19-year-old Santa Ana man who was possibly involved in a street race was arrested Sunday night after striking a pedestrian who was crossing the street, police said.

It was just after 10 p.m. when police received several calls about a man down in the road at Bristol and Myrtle streets, Santa Ana police said Monday morning.

The man was found with major injuries in the street. Orange County Fire Authority paramedics treated him but pronounced him dead at the scene, police said.

Officers found during the investigation that the victim, whose name has not been released, was crossing Bristol Street when he was hit by a car traveling south, police said.

The driver of the car, Bryan Lemus, stayed at the scene and was contacted by police. A witness reported to police that the car, a newer model Chevrolet Camaro, had been involved in a street race with another vehicle before hitting the pedestrian.

Police said it was unclear if the race occurred but said speed played a factor in the crash.

Lemus was arrested on scene on suspicion of felony vehicle manslaughter, police said.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Cpl. Wes Hadley at ‪714-245-8216 or the Traffic Division at ‪714-245-8200‬.