Man Crashes Into Ambulance In Long Beach, Passenger Killed

LONG BEACH, CA— A woman was killed in a crash between a car and a Long Beach ambulance early Sunday morning, according to authorities.

At about 2:07 a.m. on Sunday, officers were dispatched to Shoreline Drive and the 710 Freeway near the 7th Street exit after a report of a crash between a 2018 Honda Civic and a Long Beach Fire Department Basic Life Support Unit vehicle.

When officers arrived paramedics were already on the scene treating the driver of the Honda, who was identified as 27-year-old Christian Castillas. Castillas was later taken to a local hospital to treat his injuries. The passenger of the Honda was determined dead at the scene and her identity was withheld pending notification of her next of kin.

According to preliminary investigation results, the Honda was traveling northbound on Shoreline Drive when it collided with the ambulance on the shoulder. Detectives said impaired driving and speed are believed to be factors in the crash.

After Castillas was medically cleared, LBPD arrested him on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence causing bodily injury. His bail was set at $100,000.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision and have additional information was urged to contact LBPD Collision Investigation Detective Jeff Meyer at 562-5707355. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 800-222-8477 or online at LACrimeStoppers.org.