A 23-year-old man was hospitalized Monday and could face a DUI charge after a crash in Porter Ranch that killed his passenger and injured another person.
The crash was reported about 10:05 a.m. Sunday, when the driver’s gray 2015 Acura lost control while speeding south on Tampa Avenue just south of Tunney Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The vehicle ran off the roadway and collided with a traffic signal and nearby private property, police said.
“The force of the collision caused one of the passengers to sustain fatal injuries and a second passenger to sustain moderate injuries,” according to an LAPD statement.
The passenger who died was identified by the county Medical Examiner’s office as Rafael Ramirez, 22, of Canoga Park. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics, police said.
The driver, Ernesto Ramos of Northridge, suffered severe injuries and was taken to a hospital, police said.
“He remains at the hospital under police custody at this time and will be facing charges upon his release,” police said.
Authorities did not immediately specify whether Ramos was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both.
The second passenger sustained moderate injuries, police said.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to call 818-644-8116 to speak with Investigator Takashita in the LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division. Anonymous tips can be submitted through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or www.lacrimestoppers.org.