A driver under suspicion of intoxication was apprehended subsequent to a hit-and-run incident in Orange that resulted in the fatalities of two individuals. The incident occurred on North Shattuck Place near the 55 Freeway shortly after 8 p.m. on Thursday, according to an Instagram post from the Orange Police Department. According to investigators, Humberto Flores, age 26, collided with a stationary Chevrolet Silverado while operating a Ford F-250.
The driver struck two individuals who were standing near the Chevrolet, according to the police. Both of them perished instantly at the location. Friends and family have identified Manuel Ortiz as one of the victims. Ortiz and Maria Grant have been close companions for nearly three decades.
“He had high expectations of you, but he was there for you to listen to you or if you just needed anything,” commented Grant. “It didn’t matter what time, he would be there.”
Family and friends have identified Manuel Ortiz, who is depicted in this undated photo, as one of the two fatalities in a collision that occurred in Orange on Thanksgiving. She described him as a devoted father of five children and grandchildren and an automotive enthusiast who worked diligently.
“He just always just kept going and to know it ended because of a drunk driver – that just really breaks my heart,” according to Grant.
“On Thanksgiving you should be with your family eating or whatever, but he wanted to make somebody’s day and give them back their truck or whatever that I believe he had been working on,” commented Grant. Flores, according to the police, escaped the scene on foot but was apprehended shortly thereafter. Two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI causing death, and fleeing the site of a collision are among the charges against him.
The families of these victims are urging members of the public to exercise caution when operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol.
Also Read:
- 3 male suspects wanted after assaulting and robbing victims in Dave
- Two wrongful death lawsuits filed by victim; family after Davenport building collapse
- Police discover 5 shooting victims near Coors Field
