DUI suspected in fatal Long Beach crash on PCH
The passenger of a man suspected of driving while intoxicated died following a crash in Long Beach early Sunday, Aug. 18.
The collision happened near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Grand Avenue at about 2:40 a.m., Long Beach Police said in a news release. Osvaldo Ramirez-Vazquez, 21, of Long Beach, is accused of speeding east along PCH in a 1999 Lincoln Town Car when he lost control of the vehicle. The car traveled into westbound lanes and was broadsided on its passenger side by a 2014 Cadillac XTS.
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Firefighters rescued from the wreckage of the crash a 49-year old man from Garden Grove who was behind the wheel of the Cadillac as well as a 21-year old woman from Bellflower who was riding in the Lincoln. Both drivers sustained minor injures, according to police, but the Town Car’s passenger was seriously hurt and she died at a hospital. Her name was not immediately released.
Preliminary investigation suggests that Ramirez-Vazquez was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision, police said. He was booked on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
Authorities asked anyone with details to contact Long Beach Police Detective S. Loughlin by dialing 562-570-5520. Information can also be left anonymously with LA Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.