[06-12-2024] Orange County, CA – Rider Killed Following Suspected Motorcycle Vs. Vehicle DUI Crash in Fullerton

A rider was killed following a suspected motorcycle vs. vehicle DUI crash in Fullerton on Wednesday night, June 12, 2024.

According to the Fullerton Police Department, the deadly incident happened around 9:45 p.m. at South Gilbert Street and West Orangethorpe Avenue.

The incident involved a rider in a Harley Davidson and a suspected drunk driver behind the wheel of a 1999 BMW 323i. Initial reports suggested that the motorcyclist was stopped at a red light on Orangethorpe Avenue and was heading north onto Gilbert Street when they were suddenly rear-ended by the BMW. 

The driver then reportedly continued traveling eastbound while dragging the motorcycle under the vehicle for several hundred feet. The BMW only stopped after a good Samaritan intervened until police arrived.

The victim, whose name, age, and gender were not yet disclosed, was thrown off the motorcycle at the intersection due to the collision and was declared dead at the scene.

Officers administered a field sobriety test to the BMW driver, later identified as 44-year-old Francisco V., which he reportedly failed by visibly stumbling around. He was arrested despite claiming he did not see the motorcyclist in front or the red light at the intersection when the incident occurred.

Francisco V. was booked into the Fullerton jail on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving without a license, and DUI. The day after, Thursday, June 13, 2024, he was transported to the Orange County Jail.

FPD is still investigating the cause of the collision. As soon as additional information becomes available, it will be provided.