A 9-year-old boy was killed in a wrong-way crash involving a suspected DUI driver in the Antelope Valley.
On July 30, California Highway Patrol officers responded to the crash on 200th Street East, just south of Avenue G in Hi-Vista at 5:45 p.m.
An investigation revealed the suspect, Christian Powell, 23, of Victorville, was driving his Dodge Challenger southbound on 200th Street when he reportedly drifted into the opposite lanes.
When Powell noticed, he steered to the left to avoid crashing into an oncoming Honda in the opposite lane. To avoid impact, the Honda driver also steered to her right, mirroring the suspect’s direction, before both vehicles collided head-on.
The Honda was driven by Aileen Mendoza, 19, of Lancaster. Inside her car, she had two passengers — a 9-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl.
The 9-year-old boy, identified as Israel Mendoza, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 14-year-old girl suffered major injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital.
Powell was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
“All individuals involved in the crash were wearing seatbelts; however, whether the seatbelts were being worn properly is being investigated,” authorities said.
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call CHP’s Antelope Valley Area office at 661-743-6060 during business hours. After hours, the public can call the Los Angeles Traffic Management Center at 323-259-3200.
