DUI Suspected: Details Released in Deadly I-10 Beaumont Crash

BEAUMONT, CA- A Beaumont man has been arrested on a charge of DUI after crashing his Honda Civic off Interstate 10 and into a palm tree early Monday morning, CHP officials announced.

California Highway Patrol Officer Darren Meyer says the crash-- in which one person died-- happened on the eastbound side of I-10 around 2:15 a.m., when 30-year-old Gregory Espinoza was driving his 2012 black Honda Civic.

As he was exiting he freeway at the 6th Street/ SR-60 off-ramp, he drove into the dirt median, Meyer said.

"As he was negotiating the off ramp, he drove onto the gore point and into the dirt median," Meyer said. "The front of the Honda collided with a palm tree."

William Gemmell, 35, of Beaumont, died at the scene, according to the county coroner's office. He was seated in the right front seat, Meyer said.

A 32-year-old Beaumont person was seated behind the driver, and suffered serious injures, according to Meyer. They were taken to Riverside Regional Medical Center.

One other person in the vehicle, a 31-year-old man was seated behind Gemmell, Meyer said. He, too, suffered serious injuries and broken bones, and was taken to Riverside Regional Medical Center.

Espinoza was also hospitalized with multiple bone fractures. After being taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center, he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, according to Meyer. However, his injuries are serious and he remains at the hospital Monday evening.

(Image via Shutterstock)