2 pedestrians killed in suspected DUI hit-and-run crash in Orange

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Saturday, November 25, 2023
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2 killed in suspected DUI crash in Orange
A suspected drunk driver was arrested after a hit-and-run crash that left two people dead in Orange.

ORANGE, Calif. (KABC) -- A suspected drunk driver was arrested after a hit-and-run crash that left two people dead in Orange.

The incident happened shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday on North Shattuck Place near the 55 Freeway, according to an Instagram post from Orange Police Department. Investigators say Humberto Flores, 26, was driving a Ford F-250 when he hit a parked Chevy Silverado.

Two men who were standing near the Chevy were hit by the driver, police say. They both died at the scene.

Family and friends have identified one of the victims as Manuel Ortiz.

Maria Grant has been friends with Ortiz for almost 30 years.

"He had high expectations of you, but he was there for you to listen to you or if you just needed anything," Grant said. "It didn't matter what time, he would be there."

Family and friends have identified one of two victims killed in a crash in Orange on Thanksgiving as Manuel Ortiz, pictured here in an undated photo.

She said he was a hardworking man who loved cars and was dedicated to his five kids and grandchildren.

"He just always just kept going and to know it ended because of a drunk driver - that just really breaks my heart," Grant said.

"On Thanksgiving you should be with your family eating or whatever, but he wanted to make somebody's day and give them back their truck or whatever that I believe he had been working on," Grant added.

Police said Flores fled the scene on foot but was taken into custody shortly after.

He faces multiple charges including two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI causing death and fleeing the scene of a crash.

The families of these victims are asking the community to think twice before getting behind wheel of car if they've been drinking.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Ortiz's family with funeral expenses.

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