Man Injured Critically in Pickup Truck Accident

Four people were thrown from the bed of a pickup early Saturday when the driver crashed into another vehicle, police said.

Three of the people ejected from the pickup truck were treated for minor injuries but another, Ross Gordon Douglas, 24, of Scotland was reported in critical condition Saturday at UCI Medical Center, officials said.

The crash occurred about 2:15 a.m. at Heil Avenue and Gothard Street when the pickup--carrying six people--clipped a vehicle and hit a light pole, ejecting the four, said police Lt. Jon Arnold said. The driver of the other vehicle was not seriously hurt, Arnold said

The driver of the pickup, Kevin Frank Rasher, 24, of Laguna Niguel, suffered facial injuries and remained at Western Medical Center, police said. He was charged with drunk driving, Arnold said. A sixth passenger was not seriously injured.

Arnold stressed that riding in the bed of a pickup is a common hazard. According to California traffic codes, any passenger in a vehicle is required to wear a safety belt, even in the rear of a truck. Anyone under the age of 14 riding in the back of a pickup must also be accompanied by an adult.