Local News in Brief : Hospitalized Driver Arrested in Fatal Crash

The driver of a pickup truck that plowed into the back of a car in Sylmar on Saturday afternoon, killing one of the car’s passengers and seriously injuring three others, was arrested Sunday on suspicion of drunk driving and felony manslaughter, Los Angeles police said.

However, Paul Dewey, 35, of Santa Barbara, remained under police guard at Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills because he was also injured in the crash. After the accident, Dewey complained of numbness in his legs and chest pains, police said. He was listed in serious condition Sunday.

Sylvia Martinez, 39, of Sylmar, was pronounced dead at the scene. She had been a passenger in a car driven by Martha Calderon, 27, also of Sylmar. The force of the collision left the rear end of the car crumpled up past the rear wheels.

Calderon was undergoing surgery Sunday at Olive View Medical Center for major facial injuries, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Two children in the car also suffered major injuries. Margaret Calderon, 8 months, was treated for fractures and internal bleeding at Holy Cross Hospital. She remained in critical condition Sunday. Jerry Ortiz, 6, was transported by helicopter to Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles to be treated for possible stomach, neck and head injuries. A nursing supervisor said he was in stable condition Sunday.

The accident occurred at about 3 p.m. Saturday at Hubbard Street and Eldridge Avenue.