Emergency responders work at the scene of a DUI-related crash in Stanton.
A tragic accident occurred in Stanton, California, on April 2, 2025, resulting in the death of Hoanh Thanh Ngo, 55, from a head-on collision with a suspected DUI driver. James Anthony Deleon, 30, fled the scene but was quickly apprehended by authorities. The ongoing investigation aims to gather more details about the incident, impacting both victims and the community at large. This case highlights the serious public safety issue surrounding DUI incidents.
A man was killed in a crash involving a suspected DUI driver in Stanton, California, on April 2, 2025. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Pacific Avenue, resulting in multiple vehicle collisions and prompting a significant law enforcement response.
The suspected driver, James Anthony Deleon, 30, of Irvine, was operating a Dodge sedan when he collided head-on with a Toyota van. The impact of the crash was severe, pushing both the Dodge and the Toyota into a nearby parked vehicle. Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, where the driver of the Toyota van, identified as Hoanh Thanh Ngo, 55, of Stanton, was pronounced dead by paramedics.
After the collision, Deleon fled the scene on foot but was apprehended by authorities shortly after. Following his arrest, he was booked into the Orange County Jail on multiple charges, including murder and driving under the influence (DUI) causing injury. Deleon has a prior conviction for DUI, raising serious concerns about his actions leading up to the incident.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team is conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities are working to gather evidence and determine any additional details related to the crash. As part of this investigation, they have confirmed that a second individual was transported to a hospital with unspecified injuries; however, their identity and whether they were involved as the suspect remains unclear.
Law enforcement officials are encouraging witnesses or anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Traffic Bureau can be reached at 949-425-1860 for any information related to the crash. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
Driving under the influence (DUI) continues to be a significant public safety issue in California and across the United States. Such incidents can lead to tragic and often preventable outcomes, as seen in this case. According to California’s Department of Motor Vehicles, individuals with prior DUI convictions are more likely to reoffend a second time, underscoring the importance of stringent law enforcement efforts to deter impaired driving on the roads.
The tragic loss of Mr. Ngo serves as a reminder of the devastating impacts of impaired driving not just on victims and their families, but on entire communities. The crash has brought added attention to the ongoing efforts to combat DUI incidents within the state and the potential need for improved educational programs aimed at preventing such tragedies in the future.
News Summary Dr. Lucy Jones, a noted seismologist, delivered an insightful lecture at the Newport…
News Summary Four schools in the Irvine Unified School District have been honored as 2025…
News Summary A significant sewage spill in Huntington Beach has led to the temporary closure…
News Summary California is raising its cannabis excise tax from 15% to 19% starting July…
News Summary California's high-speed rail project struggles with delays and soaring costs, now estimated over…
News Summary California has increased the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 per hour,…