A devastating head-on collision in Lemon Grove has left one person dead and several injured after a driver, later identified as James Mendias, struck another vehicle while driving the wrong way on Broadway. The San Diego County Sheriff's Office reported that the crash occurred last Sunday, resulting in major damage to both vehicles.
Mendias, 28, was found beside his blue Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, which had sustained significant front-end damage. Officials reported that he had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and person. During the on-scene investigation, deputies discovered two open alcoholic beverages in the truck and a canister of nitrous oxide near Mendias. The updated report by the San Diego County Sheriff's Office confirmed the suspect's identification and charges.
The other vehicle, a white Ford Explorer, suffered major damage and was occupied by three adult passengers during the crash. The driver and front seat passenger were injured and transported to a hospital. Tragically, the front seat passenger, Tonia Silva, was pronounced dead following their arrival at the hospital. Following the incident, Mendias has been charged with two counts of felony DUI and one count of vehicular homicide, holding a bail of $300,000.
Surveillance footage of the incident revealed that Mendias caused the crash by driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of traffic. This account was further substantiated by an off-duty law enforcement witness, who reported seeing Mendias collide with the victim's vehicle in the opposite travel lane. The Sheriff's Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) team and an investigator from the San Diego District Attorney's DUI Homicide Unit were brought in to assist with the investigation, and Mendias remains in custody.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed Silva's identity, and her family has been notified.
