The driver of a vehicle that burst into flames last weekend after hitting a tree, killing a passenger, has been booked into San Diego County Jail, authorities said Thursday.
Gustavo Ismael Figueroa, 25, of San Diego, faces multiple charges related to driving under the influence, according to the California Highway Patrol.
At approximately 2:28 a.m. Saturday, the driver, behind the wheel of a Nissan Altima, was headed east on state Route 52, west of Convoy Street at an unknown speed, the CHP said in a news release.
For reasons under investigation, the Nissan veered off the roadway and struck a tree. During the crash, the unidentified passenger was partially ejected and trapped as the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames.
The driver of the Nissan was transported to a local hospital with major injuries. On Monday, after the driver’s release from the hospital, he was arrested.
He remains in custody on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter and possession of narcotics, as outlined in online jail records. A court hearing is set for June 13.
The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification to next of kin by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office.
The cause and sequence of events remain under investigation. If any members of the public witnessed this crash or have more information, they are asked to contact the CHP’s San Diego Area office at (858) 293-6000.
