Authorities Thursday identified an 18-year-old Little Rock man killed in a vehicle collision in Lancaster that is being blamed on an alleged driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office identified the victim killed in the crash that occurred around 6:50 p.m. Monday near 90th Street East and Palmdale Boulevard as Sergio Ortega.
A 47-year-old man identified by the CHP as M. Monroy of Palmdale was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, resulting in a collision that killed the 18-year-old.
Detectives arrested Monroy once they investigated and learned that the maroon Kia he was driving was speeding southbound on 90th Street East and failed to stop at a red light, entering the path of a gray Infiniti G35 heading east on Palmdale Boulevard.
The Infiniti then crashed into a white Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck that was stopped at the red light.
Ortega was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the CHP.
Monroy was taken to a hospital after sustaining severe but unspecified injuries. The 69-year-old driver of the Chevrolet, identified only as G. Martinez of Lancaster, sustained no injuries. One female passenger suffered minor injuries.
Anyone with information regarding the fatal collision was urged to call CHP Antelope Valley Area Officer M. Sandoval at 661-743-6060. Calls during non-business hours should be directed to the Los Angeles Traffic Management Center at 323-259-3200.