The mother of a 7-year-old boy who was killed in a rollover crash in Ventura County has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The solo vehicle crash was reported Wednesday at about 7:10 p.m. on Pacific Coast Highway just south of the Las Posas Road off ramp near Point Mugu (map), according to officials on scene.
Latoya Najar, 34, of Camarillo, was driving her three children and an adult friend when she lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree and a concrete wall adjacent to the freeway, according to Officer Steve Reid of the California Highway Patrol.
The blue Ford Mustang rolled over leaving several people trapped inside, CHP Sgt. Tom Webster said.
It was unclear what caused the driver to lose control but investigators “believe alcohol may have played a factor in this collision,” Webster said.
Najar’s 7-year-old son was killed in the crash and an adult passenger suffered “Significant” injuries, Reid said.
The boy who died was not in a car seat or wearing a seatbelt, according to Reid.
All of the other injuries were minor, according to Capt. Anthony Romero of the Ventura County Fire Department.
Najar was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI, vehicular manslaughter and child endangerment, Reid said Thursday afternoon.
It was unclear how fast the car was going at the time of the crash, Webster said.