Car crash kills man in Merced
A man riding in a car was killed early Monday when the vehicle driven by another man, who was allegedly drunk, struck a power pole in Merced, the Merced Police Department reported.
Merced police were called to the 300 block of West Avenue at 12:33 a.m. Monday after a 2005 Honda Civic driven by Juan Orejel, 21, of Merced, struck a pole, police said.
The 21-year-old passenger, Jose Paniagua, was killed in the collision. The victim’s identity was confirmed by the Merced County Coroner’s Office.
California Highway Patrol officers said they recorded the Honda traveling at 88 mph near V Street shortly before the crash. As the officer prepared to pursue the Honda, police said, he saw what appeared to be a spark or explosion from the power pole.
The Honda rolled several times after hitting the power pole and came to rest in a grassy field.
Police said the driver submitted to two blood alcohol content tests, which returned a 0.19 and 0.18, more than twice the legal limit.
Orejel was booked into the Merced County Jail for homicide and felony DUI without bail.
This case is still under investigation by the Merced Police Department, and Sgt. Jay Struble is asking for witnesses to call him at 209-385-4739 or the Police Department tip-line at 209-385-4725. Callers can remain anonymous.
This story was originally published December 28, 2015 at 2:49 PM with the headline "Car crash kills man in Merced."