Passenger Dies, Driver Is Arrested
COSTA MESA — A 20-year-old Rolling Hills Estates man was killed early Saturday when the car he was riding in veered off the Costa Mesa Freeway, ejecting him from the passenger seat, California Highway Patrol officials said.
Justin Todd Gwizdala died at the scene of the 3:35 a.m. accident, which occurred on the freeway just south of Euclid Street.
CHP officials said the driver of the car, 21-year-old Frank Chen, lost control when he tried to make an unsafe turn as he was traveling north.
Chen was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol and was arrested at the scene.
Chen, of Palos Verdes, suffered minor injuries in the crash and was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange. He is expected to be transferred to Orange County Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, CHP officials said.
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