Woman arrested on suspicion of DUI in fatal Orange County crash
An Orange County woman was arrested Saturday on suspicion of drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter after an early morning crash that left a motorcyclist dead, Fullerton police said.
Deanna Marie Soto, 39 of Huntington Beach, was arrested in connection with a 2 a.m. crash at the intersection of West Walnut Avenue and South Lemon Street in Fullerton.
Robert Lavender III, 29, of Carson, collided with Soto as she made a left turn, police said. Lavender’s Harley-Davidson struck the Nissan Sentra’s right rear corner. Lavender was pronounced dead at the scene, the Orange County coroner’s office said.
The intersection is just south of the Fullerton Metrolink station and does not have a traffic light.
After the crash, Soto complained of pain and was taken to an area hospital, said Fullerton police Lt. Mike Chlebowski.
One of the Sentra’s two other occupants was hospitalized with serious injuries.
Authorities booked Soto into Orange County Central Jail on $100,000 bail. She is expected to appear in court Tuesday.
For more Southern California news, follow @laura_nelson on Twitter.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
