SJ Driver Stole Beer Prior to Deadly Crash: SJPD

The driver and passenger had allegedly stolen beer from a 7-Eleven store at Branham Lane and Pearl Avenue prior to the crash

The driver of a car accident in San Jose that left one passenger dead before sunrise Monday has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, according to police.

By late Monday, the man also faced additional robbery charges.

The passenger was dead when San Jose firefighters responded to a call at the intersection of Hillsdale Avenue and Pearl Avenue at about 2 a.m. He was described as approximately 40 years old.

The driver and passenger had allegedly stolen beer from a 7-Eleven store at Branham Lane and Pearl Avenue prior to the crash, police told Bay City News.

According to police, the driver, an 18-year-old Hispanic male, had been traveling south on Pearl at a high rate of speed when he apparently tried to turn onto Hillsdale and lost control of the gray Toyota Avalon, crashing into a parked car.

The driver, who has not been identified, was taken to the hospital for non life-threatening injuries.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

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