DUI Suspected After Vehicle Plunges Off Ortega Highway, 1 Injured

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — A vehicle that went over the side of the Ortega Highway on Sunday left one person with serious injuries, and driving under the influence is suspected.

The incident was reported at 3:10 p.m. in the 32000 block of Ortega Highway near the Lookout Roadhouse.

The vehicle plunged about 200 feet off the road and a sheriff's helicopter was summoned by Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department to help hoist the victim from the wreckage scene.

"Firefighters made access to the victim, who suffered serious injuries, and rendered care while RSO Rescue 9 prepared for a hoist," according to a fire department statement.

Once the victim was lifted from the wreckage, an awaiting medical helicopter was used for transportation to a hospital, the fire department reported. A health update was unavailable Monday morning.

California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Lassig said the 49-year-old Huntington Beach man was arrested for DUI.

No one else was in the vehicle.

The CHP is investigating the crash.