Daily Voice
By Zak Failla From Daily Voice
An intoxicated driver who caused a deadly crash after slamming into an ambulance that was responding to a separate emergency is facing a host of charges, authorities announced.
Nokesville resident Jose Lopez Martinez, 23, has been charged in connection with the late November crash that claimed the life of his front passenger, 35-year-old Irvin Escobar Lujuan.
The violent wreck was reported shortly after 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, when a driver failed to yield the right of way in the area of Worldgate Drive and Alton Square in Herndon, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue officials.
Investigators said that the ambulance was en route to a medical emergency with their full emergency equipment activated when it attempted to turn onto Alton Square.
Lopez Martinez, failed to yield the right of way and crashed into the ambulance, sending several people to the hospital.
Lujuan, a Sterling resident, was a passenger in the Hyundai who suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and died after being rushed to the hospital by first responders.
Lopez Martinez was also hospitalized with less severe injuries, as were two firefighters.
He was initially charged with Driving While Intoxicated - second offense in five years. Investigators say they believe speed and alcohol appear to be factors in the fatal crash.
On Wednesday, Dec. 3, authorities announced that Lopez Martinez was also charged with involuntary manslaughter. He remains behind bars at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond.
The crash remains under investigation.
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