Unsolved Drunk Driving Fatal Collision Ends In Arrest

A fatal collision from 2016 has ended with an arrest after a lengthy investigation according to Seal Beach Police department. On Wednesday, Seal Beach Police Detectives arrested Matthew Ryan Wood, a 25-year-old Seal Beach resident, in relation to the fatal crash.

After a lengthy investigation, the case was presented to the Orange County District Attorney and a warrant was issued for Woods.

"Woods was arrested for the charges of Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence while Intoxicated, Transportation for Sale of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of a Controlled Substance with a Firearm," Henderson said. "Woods was booked into the Orange County jail that day."

On December 9th, 2016 at approximately 1:45 p.m. a traffic collision occurred, which resulted in a fatality.

The collision occurred on Westminster Ave. between Seal Beach Bl. and Bolsa Chica Road, a portion of Westminster Avenue that passes through the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station, Henderson said.

"Preliminary investigation indicates that a pick-up truck driving east on Westminster Avenue, passed over the painted center median into oncoming traffic and struck a minivan which was travelling westbound," Henderson said.

The driver of the minivan was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the truck was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Investigators are looking into the possibility that drugs or alcohol are a factor in the collision.

If you have information related to this collision please contact Officer Erin Enos at (562) 799-4100 ext. 2605.

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