MEDIA RELEASE ~ Multi-Vehicle Traffic Collision Results in Arrest of DUI Driver

Irwindale Police Department


5050 North Irwindale Avenue
Irwindale, California 91706

For Emergencies Dial 9-1-1

Press Release
Case# :20-0068
Press Release Date :
01/20/2020 10:00 AM
Location :
Eastbound Live Oak Avenue at the On-Ramp to the Southbound 605 Freeway in the city of Irwindale
Crime/Offense :
Felony DUI with Injuries
Suspect(s) :
Eric Vargas, a 28-year-old Resident of Baldwin Park

Irwindale, California – Monday, January 20, 2020: On Sunday, January 19, 2020 at about 8:40 pm, officers from the Irwindale Police Department were dispatched to the eastbound lanes of Live Oak Avenue at the on-ramp to the southbound 605 Freeway in the city of Irwindale regarding a multi-vehicle traffic collision with injuries. The Los Angeles County Fire Department also responded to the scene.

On arrival, officers found that three vehicles were involved in the traffic collision and one of the vehicles has overturned.  All of the drivers involved in the collision were still at the scene and the officers conducted a traffic collision investigation.  The occupants of two of the involved vehicles, including an infant child, were injured in the collision.  All of the injured parties were treated by paramedics and were taken to local hospitals by ambulance with minor injuries.

During the investigation, it was determined that one of the drivers was driving while under the influence of alcohol at the time of the traffic collision.  Witnesses to the collision also reported seeing the driver driving his vehicle in excess of 100 miles per hour just prior to
the collision.  

The driver, Eric Vargas, a 28-year-old resident of Baldwin Park, was arrested for felony DUI by the investigating officers and taken to a local hospital for medical clearance before being booked at the West Covina City Jail.  Vargas is currently being held in jail on $100,000.00 bail, pending his court appearance.   

The eastbound lanes of Live Oak Avenue were closed for approximately 90 minutes due to the investigation.  The cause of the traffic collision remains under investigation.
                                           
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Press Release Prepared by :
Sergeant Rudy Gatto, Public Information Officer
Phone: (626) 412-0643
Email: rgatto@irwindaleca.gov