13-year-old boy killed in suspected DUI crash
ESCONDIDO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A suspected DUI driver has been arrested following a fatal North County crash, authorities said.
According to Escondido Police, a call came in shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday reporting a two-vehicle traffic collision at the intersection of North Broadway and Country Club Lane in Escondido.
Responding officers found three people injured, including a 13-year-old boy. Escondido Fire Paramedics also responded, performing lifesaving measures until they were each transported to local hospitals.
VIDEO: Ramona boy, 13, lands a triple backflip on BMX bike
A man was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital, a woman was transported to Scripps La Jolla Hospital and the child was transported to Palomar Medical Center, the department explained. All three were reported to be residents of Escondido.
Despite lifesaving efforts, the 13-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later, police said. He has not been publicly identified by police. The family of the child has been notified.
A social media post from Escondido National Little League said the 13-year-old boy loved baseball and had dreams of one day playing for the San Diego Padres. He was described as a straight A student at Quantum Academy who was always happy and positive.
According to authorities, alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the fatal crash. One of the involved drivers, identified as 20-year-old Escondido resident Alexander Tito Oroz, was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter.
The child who was killed was a passenger in Oroz’s vehicle, police said.
Oroz was later transported to Tri-City Hospital for medical release. He will be booked into Vista jail on the above charges, the department explained.
The collision remains under investigation. Anyone who was a witness or knows anyone with any additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Escondido Police Collision Investigator Paul Smyth at (760) 839-4423.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
