Man allegedly injected heroin before crashing vehicle in Glendale

A 56-year-old man was arrested Sunday after he crashed his car into a fire hydrant, passed out and was discovered with a heroin needle laying on his lap, police said.

Robert Meza told officers he was at Griffith Park in Los Angeles, where he allegedly drank a 24-ounce can of beer and injected heroin into his left wrist, according to Glendale police.

He lost control of his Honda Accord and crashed at Chevy Chase Drive and San Fernando Road after he decided to drive home, police said.

A Glendale police officer who arrived at the scene at 11:45 a.m. found Meza’s crashed Honda still running and in park. Meza, who was wearing a seat belt, was slumped in the driver’s seat.

The officer shook Meza, but he didn’t respond.

As he switched off the Honda’s engine, the officer noticed a hypodermic needle lying in Meza’s lap, a metal spoon lying next to his feet and an orange balloon resting in the center console, according to police. The beer can was also in the center console.

Meza awoke while being treated by fire personnel.

He was later transported to Glendale Memorial Hospital and released to officers, who arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence of heroin, police said.

Meza was released Monday after posting bail.

--

Follow Veronica Rocha on Google+ and on Twitter: @VeronicaRochaLA.