Train Hits Car on Tracks; Man Arrested
An Amtrak passenger train slammed into a car on the tracks west of Pleasant Valley Road in Oxnard, destroying two vehicles but causing no injuries, the California Highway Patrol said Tuesday.
Investigators said Osvaldo Ayala, 32, of Huntington Park mistakenly drove onto the Southern Pacific tracks from Pleasant Valley Road about 8 p.m. Monday in an apparent attempt to turn onto westbound 5th Street.
Ayala’s vehicle got stuck on the tracks, and a nearby CHP officer spotted the wrong-way driver and his disabled car.
The driver ran from the vehicle when the officer approached but was apprehended after a short chase. Both men then heard a train approaching the vehicle, but it was too late.
The train struck Ayala’s car, which slammed into the parked CHP car, causing extensive damage but no injuries, officials said.
Ayala was taken into custody on suspicion of drunk driving and booked into the Ventura County Jail on bail of $1,500. Arraignment is scheduled today in Ventura County Municipal Court.
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