Merced, CA : 21-year-old passenger, Jose Paniagua killed in car crash in Merced County early Monday, December 28, 2015

A man riding in a car was killed early Monday when the vehicle driven by another man, who was allegedly drunk, struck a power pole in Merced, the Merced Police Department reported.

Merced police were called to the 300 block of West Avenue at 12:33 a.m. Monday after a 2005 Honda Civic driven by Juan Orejel, 21, of Merced, struck a pole, police said.

The 21-year-old passenger, Jose Paniagua, was killed in the collision. The victim's identity was confirmed by the Merced County Coroner's Office.

California Highway Patrol officers said they recorded the Honda traveling at 88 mph near V Street shortly before the crash. As the officer prepared to pursue the Honda, police said, he saw what appeared to be a spark or explosion from the power pole.

The Honda rolled several times after hitting the power pole and came to rest in a grassy field.

Police said the driver submitted to two blood alcohol content tests, which returned a 0.19 and 0.18, more than twice the legal limit.

Orejel was booked into the Merced County Jail for homicide and felony DUI without bail.

Source :

Honda Motor : Car crash kills man in Merced