A 33-year-old SeaTac man reportedly was driving 111 mph and under the influence of alcohol along Pacific Highway South in Kent when he collided with another vehicle, killing the passenger in that car and injuring the driver.
Jose Luis Lopez Garcia faces charges of vehicular homicide and reckless driving in the Nov. 4 crash in the 24200 block of Pacific Highway South, according to charging documents filed Nov. 7 by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. As of Nov. 13, Lopez Garcia remained in custody, with bail set at $100,000, at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. He is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 21.
Mellissa Luangsrinhotha, 38, died of multiple blunt force injuries in the crash, according to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office. She died at the scene. The driver, a 45-year-old Tacoma man, continues to be treated for serious injuries, according to charging documents.
At about 11:30 p.m. Nov. 4, Lopez Garcia was driving a 2016 Buick Regal northbound on Pacific Highway South. At the same time, the Tacoma man was driving a 2000 Ford Taurus with Luangsrinhotha in the passenger seat. The Tacoma man attempted to make a U-turn to go northbound from a left turn lane.
Lopez Garcia was reportedly speeding northbound at 111 mph when he slammed into the passenger side of the Taurus, according to charging papers.
Witnesses saw Lopez Garcia exit the driver’s side of the Buick and reportedly throw an empty 32-ounce can of Corona into the bushes. Witnesses did not observe any other occupants in the Buick.
When law enforcement arrived, Lopez Garcia claimed he was driving southbound, which was incorrect based on the witness statements and physical evidence observed at the scene. Lopez Garcia then claimed that the other driver had turned in front of him and he could not avoid a collision. Further, the defendant admitted to drinking earlier in the day, which was corroborated by the odor of intoxicants on his breath, his bloodshot watery eyes, and unsteadiness on his feet, according to charging documents.
When asked by a Kent Police officer if he had been drinking, Lopez Garcia reportedly replied that he had drank earlier in the day but not recently. Lopez Garcia then declined to answer anymore questions.
The defendant’s blood was collected pursuant to a search warrant and those toxicology results are currently pending.
Later, Lopez Garcia also admitted, “I was driving fast, but the other car was faster.”
Crash data analysis showed the Buick’s speed 5 seconds prior to the crash was approximately 111 mph, and the speed of the Buick .05 seconds prior to the crash was 98 mph. The posted speed limit is 45 mph.
Lopez Garcia was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Stockton, California, that occurred in 2017 which was dismissed pursuant to California Penal Code (clearing felony non-convictions six years after an arrest).
Police also suspected the driver of the Taurus of being under the influence, but was not booked due to suspected internal injuries, according to the police report. He was released to the hospital for treatment, and his case is being filed at large.
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