Costa Mesa, CA (January 26, 2025) – A high-speed police pursuit in Newport Beach ended in a fatal crash in Costa Mesa early Sunday morning, leaving one man dead and two others in custody.
Accident Details: Authorities say the chase began around 2:45 a.m. after Newport Beach police attempted to stop three suspects reportedly trying to steal a vehicle near Santiago Drive and Holiday Road. The suspects fled in a white Lexus sedan, leading officers in pursuit. The vehicle crashed into a power pole at the intersection of 22nd Street and Santa Ana Avenue, killing front-seat passenger Oscar Axael Macias, 20, of Carson.
Investigation: The driver, Anthony Rodolfo Samayoa, 20, of Carson, was hospitalized with injuries before being booked into jail on suspicion of felony DUI, vehicular homicide, evasion, and attempted vehicle theft. Backseat passenger Sergio Avalos, 21, of Carson, was also injured and later taken into custody on charges related to vehicle theft and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination.
- Driver Negligence and DUI: Driving under the influence, especially during a high-speed pursuit, shows reckless disregard for safety. The driver, Anthony Rodolfo Samayoa, may face criminal and civil consequences.
- Police Pursuit: Fleeing from police is illegal and demonstrates a failure to follow all traffic laws.
- Other Factors: Investigators will also examine whether poor road conditions affected the driver’s control. If a vehicle malfunction occurs, liability may extend to the car’s manufacturer or a repair provider.
Potential Legal Claims: Macias’s family may file a wrongful death lawsuit if negligence is confirmed to be the cause of the crash. As an injured passenger, Avalos may have grounds for a personal injury claim depending on the circumstances of the crash. Even if Macias and Avalos are deemed partly responsible for the events that led to the crash, compensation may still be recoverable based on California’s comparative negligence laws.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Oscar Axael Macias during this difficult time. We also hope for a full recovery for those injured in the crash.
Source: Los Angeles Times