A habitual DUI offender, with five prior convictions, is now facing murder charges after a deadly hit-and-run in Orange, California, said the Orange County District Attorney's Office. Jonathan Lopez, 31, was arrested after he allegedly struck a pedestrian while under the influence and then fled the scene.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, died after being hit by Lopez's Toyota on the morning of March 12, as he crossed Tustin Avenue. The suspect not only sped away after the collision but also engaged in a brief chase with police before being apprehended. During the pursuit, Lopez was observed drinking alcohol and crudely gesturing at officers, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.
Lopez, identified as a resident of Orange, has an extensive history of DUI offenses dating back to 2011. He was previously sentenced to 16 months in jail after pleading guilty to DUI charges in December 2021. The DA's office has now charged him with one felony count of murder, among other felonies, that could see him imprisoned for up to 18 years to life in state prison if convicted.
Following the arrest, Orange County DA Todd Spitzer criticized the repeat offender's reckless disregard for human life. "An innocent man is dead because someone without a license who has been prohibited from driving because of his extensive DUI history decided to ignore every warning he was ever given that drinking and driving can be deadly and get behind the wheel while intoxicated," Spitzer said, as reported by ABC7. Spitzer is adamant about the consequences of such actions, emphasizing, "If you drink and drive, and you kill, we'll prosecute you for murder in this county."
Local residents have expressed their frustration and grief over the incident. One local, Lynn Wronosky, lamented the insufficiency of safeguarding the community from such dangers, saying, "I wish that there was some way to track somebody that many DUIs, so they can't get in a vehicle and drive anymore," in an interview with ABC7.
The Orange Police Department has taken the lead on the investigation, with the Homicide Unit's Senior Deputy District Attorney Brian Orue prosecuting the case. Lopez remains in custody, with the Orange County justice system achingly confronting yet another tragedy on its roads.
