Driver with 4 DUIs arrested for deadly hit-and-run after leading Orange police on chase
The victim, who was identified by a family member as John Drozd, died at the scene.
ORANGE, Calif. (KABC) -- A suspected drunk driver, who police say has four DUI convictions and no license, struck and killed a grandfather and then led Orange police on a chase before he was arrested Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.
The driver was arrested after a short pursuit that ended at Tustin Street just south of Adams Avenue, according to the Orange Police Department. He was later identified as Jonathan Lopez, 31, from Orange.
The incident was reported at about 11:18 a.m. in the 300 block of N. Tustin Street when a patrol officer located a man with traumatic injuries lying on the roadway, investigators said. The victim, who was identified by a family member as John Drozd, died at the scene.
Witnesses told police that Drozd was crossing the street outside of a crosswalk when he was struck by the silver sedan, according to authorities.
About 10 minutes later, officers located a silver sedan with major front-end damage traveling north on Glassell Street at Katella Avenue and a pursuit ensued.
"The major front-end damage on the vehicle is probably one of the main reasons that our detectives were able to locate it so quickly," Orange police Lt. Phil McMullin said. "We're amazed that he was still able to drive the vehicle and then be in a pursuit for over a mile."
McMullin said the driver pulled over and was arrested.
Police say Lopez was showing signs of alcohol intoxication and was arrested for felony DUI, felony hit-and-run, evading, and vehicular homicide.
"We're going to be working with the district attorney's office to pursue homicide charges because with the prior convictions there's no way, or no reason he should be out driving on a road still being intoxicated," McMullin said. "He hasn't learned his lesson."
Investigators say the suspect has four prior DUI convictions in the last 10 years, and he does not have a valid driver's license.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said a crime like this one is 100% preventable and more needs to be done to stop repeat offenders from getting behind the wheel.
"In California, we at least have to adopt interlock ignition, if not first time but at least second time DUI and any subsequent DUI," Spitzer said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Officer Ivans at 714-744-7451.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story stated the accident happened Monday, but it occurred Tuesday.
