Driver Showing Signs of Intoxication Arrested at Scene of a Fatal Crash
PITTSBURG — A man on probation for a DUI conviction has been arrested following a fatal car crash. The suspected drunk driver, 25-year-old Christian Vargas, was the only person who was not injured.
This major collision occurred April 12 shortly after 6 p.m. It happened on West Leland Road, near John Henry Johnson Parkway. Evidently, Vargas was driving at a high rate of speed when he rear-ended another car.
The impact caused the driver of the car that was hit to crash into several trees on the side of the road. That driver died at the scene, and an injured passenger in the front seat was transported to a hospital.
In addition, three children ages 1, 4 and 7 years old sitting in the back seat were ejected from the car. The children were transported to a hospital, but the 7-year-old died at the hospital.
An adult and a 10-year-old child who were passengers in Vargas’ car were also transported to a hospital. Vargas was placed under arrest at the accident scene on suspicion of being intoxicated.
Collision evidence and witness statements indicate that Vargas was speeding when he crashed into the car directly in front of him.
Vargas was transported and booked at the Martinez Detention Facility. The case against him is expected to be presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office this week.
Vargas faces charges for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI resulting in injuries, and violation of probation.
