News Summary
A 26-year-old man has been arrested following a tragic accident that resulted in the death of a 79-year-old pedestrian in Orange, California. Bryan Reyes is suspected of DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter after Oscar Garcia Soto was struck while crossing La Veta Avenue. The pedestrian was not in a crosswalk, raising issues about pedestrian safety in residential areas. Authorities are investigating the incident and urging drivers to exercise caution to prevent similar tragedies.
Orange, California – A 26-year-old man from Santa Ana, identified as Bryan Reyes, was arrested on Sunday night, September 21, on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) and causing the death of a 79-year-old pedestrian, Oscar Garcia Soto. The incident occurred just before 8 p.m. on La Veta Avenue near Devon Road.
According to police reports, Soto was not in a crosswalk at the time of the collision. Witnesses indicated that he was walking southbound across La Veta Avenue when he was struck by Reyes, who was driving eastbound on the same road. As a result of the impact, Soto sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Reyes has been taken into custody and booked on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. In conjunction with this, police are investigating whether he was speeding at the time of the crash. The location of the incident is primarily residential and is situated just east of the overpass for the 5 Freeway.
The tragic event has raised concerns over pedestrian safety in the area, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly. Local authorities are urging drivers to remain vigilant and cautious, especially in residential neighborhoods where pedestrians may be present.
This incident comes amidst ongoing discussions about road safety and the implications of DUI incidents in Orange County. According to the California Highway Patrol, there has been a noted increase in DUI-related accidents over the past year, prompting law enforcement to enhance their efforts in addressing driving under the influence.
During the investigation, police will also review traffic camera footage from nearby intersections to gather more evidence regarding the circumstances of the crash. Experts emphasize the importance of adhering to traffic signals, observing speed limits, and ensuring sober driving to improve safety for all road users.
The Santa Ana community has been affected by this tragic loss, and many residents express their condolences to the family of Oscar Garcia Soto. Vigilance on the roads remains crucial, with both drivers and pedestrians sharing the responsibility for safety. Authorities also encourage community members to report any unsafe driving behaviors they may observe in their neighborhoods.
Reyes is currently being held in jail, and it is expected that he will face charges in court as the investigation continues. The case highlights the severe consequences of impaired driving and the adverse effects it can have on families and communities.
As this situation unfolds, local residents are reminded of the importance of pedestrian rights and safety measures that can be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
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Additional Resources
- KTLA News
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
- OC Register
- Google Search: Orange County DUI accidents
- Arash Law
- Google Scholar: DUI accidents California
- ABC7 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: DUI and traffic safety
- CBS News Los Angeles
- Google News: DUI accidents in Orange County
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
