[01-26-2025] Orange County, CA – Suspected DUI Crash In Costa Mesa Kills One, Injures Another, Driver Arrested

A man was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular homicide after crashing into a power pole in Costa Mesa early Sunday morning, January 26, 2025, leading to the death of a passenger and the hospitalization of another.

A man was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular homicide after crashing into a power pole in Costa Mesa early Sunday morning, January 26, 2025, leading to the death of a passenger and the hospitalization of another.

According to the Costa Mesa Police Department, the incident occurred just before 3:00 a.m. at the Santa Ana Avenue and 22nd Street intersection near the Costa Mesa (55) Freeway. The crash happened after Newport Beach police pursued a suspect in a stolen vehicle in Costa Mesa.

The driver, identified as 20-year-old Carson resident A. Samayoa, was allegedly speeding when he lost control and crashed into an Edison power pole. Emergency responders transported Samayoa and a back-seat passenger to a nearby hospital, while the front-seat passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Samayoa was taken into custody and faces charges of vehicular homicide, felony DUI, felony evasion, and attempted vehicle theft.

The condition of the injured passenger remains unknown as authorities continue their investigation.