Menifee, CA (May 10, 2026) – A pedestrian was hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle driven by an alleged DUI suspect while crossing at an intersection in Menifee.
The crash happened just before 5 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, near the intersection of Menifee Road and Newport Road. Emergency units responded after a 911 caller reported that a pedestrian had visible head injuries after being hit by a Kia sedan while crossing the roadway.
Authorities said the pedestrian, whose identity has not been released, was transported to Inland Valley Medical Center for treatment. He was reported to be in stable but critical condition following the collision.
Investigators stated the driver, identified as Omar Sangines of Winchester, remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. He sustained minor injuries in the crash.
A preliminary investigation found that the driver ran a red light at a high rate of speed and struck a pedestrian who was crossing the crosswalk on Newport Road. Police said the driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and booked into custody.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our thoughts are with the injured pedestrian during this time.
How DUI-Related Pedestrian Crashes Are Investigated
Crashes involving pedestrians and suspected impaired driving are examined closely to determine driver behavior, speed, and roadway conditions at the time of impact. Investigators often review traffic signals, crosswalk placement, and vehicle movement leading up to the collision. These details help establish whether a driver failed to yield or entered an intersection unsafely.
Medical reports and witness accounts may also be used to understand the severity of injuries and the sequence of events. In many cases, investigators look at skid marks, vehicle damage, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses or intersections. DUI-related crashes often involve additional review of toxicology results to confirm impairment levels. This information helps authorities build a clearer timeline of the collision.