HEMET, Calif. – A DUI driver was arrested following a traffic collision in the City of Hemet on Wednesday night.
At approximately 9:07 p.m., Hemet Police responded to a traffic collision on Florida Avenue near Warren Road. When officers arrived they found two male passengers in their 20’s suffering from major injuries. Both were rushed to the hospital where one died and the other remains in critical condition.
Florida Avenue was closed in both directions from California Avenue to Myers Street for around 6 hours for the investigation. Through investigation, it was learned that Faalele Patea, 25, of Moreno Valley, was driving east on Florida Avenue and approaching Warren Road. Evidence and statements from witnesses indicate that Patea was traveling over 100 miles per hour in her 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. As the Honda Civic in front of her slowed down for the red signal at Warren Road. Patea slammed into the back of the vehicle. The collision also damaged a third vehicle which was stopped near the intersection.
Patea who is on parole was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. She was arrested for Gross vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence – causing injury, and violation of her parole and is being held without bail.
