Man arrested in DUI crash in Lincoln Heights that left cousin dead

LINCOLN HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A man suspected of driving under the influence crashed into a light post in Lincoln Heights early Monday morning, killing his cousin who was sitting in the front passenger seat, police said.

The single-vehicle crash occurred around 3:15 a.m. at N. Broadway and S. Avenue 20 near the on-ramp onto the northbound 5 Freeway.

The driver fled on foot before officers arrived, according to police, but later returned. He told police he lived nearby and went to get help not knowing that his cousin was dead, police said. He returned with family members who were then informed the victim had died.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. He's also facing vehicular manslaughter charges.

Police say the passenger who died was initially driving the now-crumpled vehicle. He stopped on the 5 Freeway for reasons unknown, and that's when the cousins switched seats. The crash took place shortly after.

The man's identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

The Los Angeles Police Department's Central Traffic Division is leading the investigation.