A drunk driver who caused a fatal crash in Los Angeles Monday morning walked up to a local news crew moments later and explained, to the best of his ability, what happened.
The one-car crash had started as a hit-and-run, and FOX 11’s Gigi Graciette was on the scene getting ready to do a live report when the driver, identified only as Jose, walked up to her. He had fled the vehicle after the crash, not knowing his cousin Juan had died instantly in the passenger seat.
As the cameras rolled, Jose explained that he and Juan had been drinking and Juan was initially behind the wheel. Jose said his cousin suddenly in the “middle of the freeway he stopped” and got out of the car, forcing Jose to get behind the wheel. Jose said he didn’t want to drive drunk but did anyway, and the two slammed into a pole on Broadway in Lincoln Heights.
Jose said he fled the vehicle to get help.
“It was clear he didn’t know his cousin Juan was dead, his body still inside the car,” Ms. Graciette reported.
Police arrived and Jose was given a field sobriety test. He was arrested for driving under the influence.
“In addition to facing charges for driving under the influence, Jose will possibly face vehicular manslaughter charges for the death of his cousin Juan,” Ms. Graciette reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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