A suspected drunken driver in an SUV triggered a two-vehicle crash in Pomona that killed three women and injured two other people, authorities said Sunday.
The crash occurred about 11 p.m. Saturday at White Avenue and Phillips Boulevard, the Pomona Police Department reported.
Paramedics dispatched to the location reported two women dead at the scene. They rushed three other people to a hospital, where another woman died from her injuries. Two other people suffered moderate to severe injuries.
Police contacted Victor Siharath, the lone occupant inside the SUV at the crash scene and “determined he was driving while impaired,” according to a police statement. The 36-year-old Pomona resident was arrested on suspicion of felony drunken driving.
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It appears Siharath was the only one who walked away from the crash unhurt.
Devastated loved ones created a memorial for the crash victims at the site of the tragedy. Flower bouquets, candles, and teddy bears were placed at the memorial in honor of the deceased.
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According to mourners, the women were returning home from a baby shower.
One of the victims was identified by her family as Yesenia Ochoa. She was raising her young nephew, Bryan Gonzalez, and was in the process of legally adopting him.
"She was a loving mother and I feel like her time was way too short," Gonzalez said in tears. "I was supposed to take care of her and she was strict but she always did what was best for me."
Blanca Gonzalez, the victim's sister, was also in tears as she spoke about Ochoa.
“I love her with all my heart and she’ll always be remembered," Blanca said. "She was very loved here on earth. She didn’t deserve anything that happened to her.”
The other victims were identified as Ochoa's sister-in-law, Alejandra Olaez and another woman identified as Lorena Morales.
Pomona police urged anyone with any information regarding the crash to call them at 909-620-2048. Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 800-222- 8477 or send tips to lacrimestoppers.org.
