A fatal high-speed crash was reported in Santa Ana on the morning of Dec. 21, 2024, according to a statement from the Santa Ana police and surveillance footage from the scene. The incident occurred near Harbor Boulevard and Croddy Way at approximately 9:20 a.m.
The victim was identified as 25-year-old Reuben Contreras, a resident of Santa Ana, as confirmed by the Orange County Coroners Office. Contreras was found in a Toyota Camry, unresponsive, after the car was shoved into a light pole following a collision with a GMC pickup truck. Despite efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The surveillance footage captures the moments leading up to the fatal crash. As per the footage, the Toyota Camry, driven by Contreras, was attempting to make a left turn into a parking lot when it was struck by the speeding GMC pickup truck. The force of the impact caused the pickup truck to roll over and the sedan was propelled into a light pole. Both vehicles sustained major damage and came to a stop near the side of the road.
The male driver of the pickup truck survived the crash, sustaining moderate injuries. He was subsequently taken to a local hospital for treatment. The Santa Ana police have initiated an investigation into the crash. Whilst the exact cause of the collision remains under investigation, the police have stated that neither drugs nor alcohol seem to be a contributing factor. The department has requested anyone with additional information on this fatal collision to contact either Detective Catlin at 714-245-8224 or the Santa Ana Police Departments Traffic Division at 714-245-8200.
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