ORANGE : Fleeing Suspect Falls 40 Feet From Bridge

A suspected drunk driver jumped from an overpass bridge and fell 40 feet, fracturing his spine, as he fled the scene of a crash on the Santa Ana Freeway, authorities said Monday.

Tomas Marin, 23, of Santa Ana was listed in fair condition at UCI Medical Center in Orange, hospital officials said.

California Highway Patrol Officer Angel Johnson said the accident occurred at 11:25 p.m. Sunday as Marin drove south in a stolen Camaro, south of Chapman Avenue. He then rammed into a Volkswagen and the two cars veered out of control before stopping, Johnson said.

Marin jumped out of the car, ran across the four southbound lanes, jumped over the sharp glare screen in the center divider and dashed across the northbound lanes, Johnson said.

He then vaulted over a bridge railing and landed 40 feet below on the Santa Ana riverbed, Johnson said.

Paramedics treated Marin on the riverbed before taking him to the hospital, where he was arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft, felony drunk driving and felony hit-and-run, Johnson said.

The other driver, Mike Paloma, 34, also of Santa Ana, was treated for minor injuries at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange. Paloma’s 3-year-old son, who was riding in the car, was unhurt, Johnson said.