ORANGE, CA (June 29, 2022) – Tyler Pitchford, 31, of Orange, was arrested for the DUI killing of 59-year-old Shane Lowe, of Newport Beach, according to County News TV.
The accident occurred on May 20 on Tustin Street and Taft Avenue at around 10:30 p.m. Pitchford was driving a Kia Soul headed northbound on Tustin Street when he ran a red light and struck Shane Lowe, who was in a Porsche 911 Carrera 4.
OC Register reports that Lowe was pronounced dead on the scene while Pitchford was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Upon Pitchford’s release from the hospital on Tuesday, Orange Police Department officers arrested him and took him into custody.
Tyler Pitchford has two previous DUI convictions. He tested positive for multiple illegal substances during the time of the May 20 crash, including fentanyl.
He is being held at Orange County Jail on $1.095 million bail and is due in court today.
Liability In Orange 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 An Orange DUI Car Accident
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our deepest condolences to the family of Shane Lowe. 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 Orange? 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.