A tragic collision in San Diego ended the life of an 8-year-old girl after a car driven by a suspected drunk driver collided with her vehicle, sending it crashing into a nearby power pole. The 26-year-old suspect, an undocumented immigrant with a prior drunk-driving arrest, has been taken into custody and charged with drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter.
First responders arrived at the scene Saturday night after being alerted to a crash involving two vehicles. According to reports, the suspect was traveling at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his car, striking the girl’s vehicle and forcing it off the road. Investigators say alcohol was a contributing factor; the driver was found intoxicated on arrival.
The victim, an 8-year-old passenger, died at the scene. Her parents were also treated for injuries. The suspect was taken to police headquarters, where he provided a breath sample confirming a blood-alcohol level well above the legal limit before being transported to a county jail with a hold for federal immigration authorities.
Authorities confirmed the suspect had previously been convicted of a DUI offense and deported, but had re-entered the country illegally. The incident has prompted renewed calls from local officials for tougher enforcement of drunk-driving laws and stricter penalties for repeat offenders, particularly those with prior criminal convictions.
Victim-advocates described the crash as a “preventable tragedy” and urged lawmakers to close loopholes that allow dangerous drivers to remain on the road. The case is now under federal and state investigation, and the suspect remains in custody as prosecutors prepare charges.