Early Wednesday morning, a DUI incident involving a single driver resulted in significant disruption in Loma Linda, including a major power outage. Kevin Cruz Mejia, an 18-year-old San Bernardino resident, collided with a power pole around 1:18 a.m. on Barton Road near Oakwood Drive. The crash led to a sizeable power outage, affecting the surrounding area and interrupting service at the Loma Linda University Medical Center, the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department reported.
Responding to the scene, deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department found Mejia trapped inside his vehicle, which had sustained considerable damage and had also damaged an Edison power line. The fire department, along with medical personnel, was required to extricate Mejia, who was then transported to a hospital with injuries. As a consequence of the collision and subsequent repair work, westbound traffic on Barton Road from Campus remained closed for some time.
Investigation of the incident by the authorities determined that Mejia was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Impaired driving remains a leading cause of traffic-related incidents and injuries. Community members are encouraged to contribute any relevant information by contacting the Central Station at (909) 387-3545 or by submitting anonymously through the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME(27463) or the associated website.
Continued impact from the collision was felt throughout the day, with repair crews working to restore full power to the affected areas. Deputy Sheriff Anthony Fonzi is the point of reference for further inquiries about the incident, case number 152501180. Loma Linda residents endured a test of patience until services were methodically restored, illustrating the far-reaching effects of DUI incidents beyond the immediate dangers posed to drivers themselves.
