Man Killed In South OC DUI Crash, Volunteer Firefighter Arrested

DANA POINT, CA — A Colorado man with experience as a volunteer firefighter in Los Angeles County was arrested on suspicion of DUI and second-degree murder after a fatal crash in Dana Point, authorities said Monday.

The crash happened at around 8:20 p.m. Sunday as both vehicles were driving southbound on Coast Highway south of Palisades Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

The victim's car, a 1999 Plymouth, was hit from behind by a 2019 BMW driver by 43-year-old Evan Madison Owen of Littleton, Colorado, officials said.

The victim, who was only described as an adult man, was rushed to a nearby hospital by paramedics where he later died. His identity was not immediately revealed pending notification of next-of-kin.

Sheriff's officials said Owen was initially arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence while causing injury, "however, a second-degree murder charge was later included due to Owen's knowledge of the danger of impaired driving. Owen had trained experience as a volunteer firefighter in the county of Los Angeles."

Anyone with information about the accident was asked to contact the OCSD's Traffic Bureau at 714-425-1860. Anonymous tips can be provided to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.