DUI Suspected in West Covina Chase, Crash that Injured Eight

WEST COVINA, CA—Eight people were injured in a three-vehicle collision in West Covina during a chase of a possible DUI suspect that ended after a man ran a stop sign, according to a police spokesman.

The collision took place at the intersection of Francisquito and Walnut avenues about 8 p.m. Monday, West Covina police Officer Rudy Lopez said.

"The chase began when officers in a black and white tried to make a traffic stop on a white Acura driven by 26-year-old Robert Lopez of La Puente who tried to outrun the police," Officer Lopez said.

When the Acura got to the intersection of Francisquito and Walnut, Lopez ran the stop sign and crashed into two vehicles that were already at the intersection, he said.

A white Nissan Maxima driven by a woman with her 7-year-old and 8-month-old daughters was heading northbound on Walnut when the Acura hit them.

"The 8-month-old girl was last reported in serious condition," Lopez said. "The current condition of her mother and sister was unknown this morning."

The other vehicle was a Ford Expedition in which two women and two men were inside. There was no word yet who was driving.

"All four people were injured and taken to hospitals," Lopez said. "Their conditions were unknown."

Lopez, the alleged drunk driver, also was injured in the collision. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

"After his release, he will be booked for alleged felony DUI causing injuries and alleged felony evading," Officer Lopez said, adding that the investigation on the collision will be handled by the California Highway Patrol.

This story will be updated as more information is released. Please refresh this page for updates.

City News Service