12-Year-Old Boy Killed in Suspected Drunk Driving Incident in Oceanside

12-Year-Old Boy Killed in Suspected Drunk Driving Incident in Oceanside

A tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday night in Oceanside, California, as a 12-year-old boy lost his life due to a suspected drunk driver. The Oceanside Police Department received a call around 11 p.m. reporting a White Volkswagen GTI driving without its lights on near Mission Avenue and Myers Street.

Law enforcement officials stated that an officer attempted to pull over the driver, but it quickly escalated into a high-speed pursuit heading north on Myers Street. Tragically, the suspect's vehicle collided with a Blue Nissan Altima traveling east on Surfrider Way.

The collision resulted in the death of the 12-year-old boy who was riding as a passenger in the Altima. Two other passengers, aged 27 and 6 years old respectively, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Additionally, two occupants of the Volkswagen also suffered non-life-threatening injuries. All four individuals were transported to trauma centers for treatment.

Eyewitness Ryan Thompson described hearing the impact from his nearby residence: "It kind of sounded like a shipping container being dragged through the alley... all of sudden there's car that's absolutely destroyed just feet from your bedroom."

In an unfortunate turn of events less than 24 hours later, another collision occurred along the same roadway where this tragedy took place. Jay Reardon witnessed both incidents and expressed how uncommon accidents are at this location: "This is not spot for any accident at all. I've never seen an accident here."

Authorities have identified Edward Minot Jr., aged 20 and hailing from Mill Spring, North Carolina, as the suspect responsible for this devastating incident. He has been arrested on suspicion of driving under influence (DUI) and gross vehicular manslaughter.

The Oceanside Police Department is urging anyone with information about this collision to contact Traffic Collision Investigator David Paul at (760) 435-4431.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by drunk driving and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives.

Legal Help

If you or a loved one was a victim in this or a similar accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

If you would like to speak with an attorney about your potential case, we can connect you with an experienced injury lawyer who will provide you with a free, no-obligation case consultation - an attorney who will advance all case costs and will not collect a fee unless they win your case. Click here to get connected.