Full Notification

SAPD Collision Investigation Unit - Investigating Fatal Collision Involving DUI Driver


Driver/Arrested: John Nguyen (21) Garden Grove

Deceased Passenger: Pending notification of family.


On Friday, November 11th, 2016 at 12:37 am, patrol officers responded to a report of a single-vehicle traffic collision at the intersection of Fairview Street and MacArthur Boulevard. The first officer to arrive reported that the vehicle had two trapped/injured occupants and requested the assistance of OCFA and Medics.

The vehicle involved was a red 2007 BMW 328i sport sedan. The passenger of the BMW was pronounced dead at the scene by Medics. The Driver was transported to a local area hospital with major injuries. There was preliminary information that the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

Based on an examination of the BMW's damage, its point of rest, and witness statements, it appeared that the BMW was traveling northbound on Fairview at a high rate of speed. Witnesses contacted at the scene stated that the BMW may have been racing another vehicle. That vehicle was described as a black or dark blue Dodge Charger with green underbody lights. The BMW lost control after passing MacArthur Boulevard and collided with two trees that lined the raised center median on Fairview Street. The impact caused the front end of the vehicle to impale itself onto one of the trees, while the back portion of the vehicle, along with the occupants continued in a northwest direction where it came to rest on the west sidewalk of Fairview.

The Orange County Sheriffs-Coroner’s office dispatched a Deputy Coroner to the scene, who had the deceased passenger transported from the scene to the Coroner’s office. Notification to the decedent's family is pending.

Alcohol was a factor in the collision and the driver was placed under arrest for DUI. The case is still under investigation by the Santa Ana Police Collision Investigation Unit.