Fred Harper Jr. has been charged with second degree murder for the DUI hit-and-run killing of 64-year-old Eduardo Hernandez on December 16.
SANTA ANA, CA (December 20, 2022) – A 29-year-old man was charged today with murder and other offenses in a drug-fueled crash in Westminster that killed one man and left another victim with life-threatening injuries.
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Fred Harper Jr. was charged with second-degree murder, driving under the influence of drugs causing bodily injury, hit and run with permanent injury or death, hit and run with injury, all felonies, and a misdemeanor count of petty theft.
He also faces sentencing enhancements for great bodily injury to the victims.
Harper is accused of killing 64-year-old Eduardo Hernandez of Stanton in the crash on Friday. A 54-year-old passenger was rushed to an area hospital in critical condition.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, deputies tried to pull over the driver of a black Camaro at about 10 a.m. Friday on northbound Newland Street near Westminster Avenue. It was unclear what prompted the attempted stop.
The driver failed to stop for deputies, instead running a red light at Trask Avenue, slamming into an eastbound black BMW, sheriff’s officials said.
The suspect driving the Camaro fled the crash scene on foot, prompting a search by sheriff’s deputies, with help from the Westminster and Garden Grove police departments. Harper was taken into custody a short time later, according to the sheriff’s department.
[via CNS]
Liability In Santa Ana DUI Car Accidents
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, “(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.” Even small amounts of alcohol can substantially impair drivers in the following ways:
- Delayed reaction times
- Loss of muscle control
- Impaired judgment
- Lowered alertness
The family of any victim that has been injured or killed in a collision with a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury or wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Eduardo Hernandez’s Santa Ana Crash
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Eduardo Hernandez. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an accident that took place in Santa Ana? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.