Last night, a quiet Westpark community was jolted awake as a Honda Civic barrelled into a stationary vehicle and careened into a residence. According to the Irvine Police Department Facebook page, the crash not only resulted in significant property damage but triggered a fire within the home.
The driver, identified as 20-year-old Nicholas Ashton Perez of Orange, and an unnamed female passenger, abandoned the wrecked Civic and fled the scene on foot. The blaze, which had erupted following the violent collision, was swiftly extinguished by the Orange County Fire Authority, presumably preventing further devastation to the neighborhood.
In the aftermath of the emergency response, authorities conducted a thorough sweep of the area. The two suspects didn't make it far, as officers located Perez and the female just blocks away. The Irvine Police statement details that Perez was apprehended and later charged with felony DUI and felony hit and run. He is now facing the consequences of his alleged actions behind bars at Orange County Jail.
Dramatic images of the incident were shared on social media, courtesy of OCFA Headquarters, showing the extent of the damage caused by the car's intrusion.
