Motorist killed in head-on crash with fleeing suspected DUI

By Debbi Baker (Contact) Union-Tribune Staff Writer
9:23 a.m. April 20, 2009

PALA β€” A 27-year-old man was killed in a head-on crash Sunday night after a suspected drunken driver fleeing from officers slammed into his vehicle on state Route 76 north of Escondido.

A California Highway Patrol officer spotted 23-year-old Silvero Morales Romero of Vista speeding south on Interstate 15 in a 2001 Ford Explorer and pulled him over at Rainbow Valley Boulevard just after 7 p.m., CHP Officer Eric Newbury said.

Romero, who did not have a driver's license, briefly stopped but when the officer asked for his identification he took off down the freeway driving 100 mph and weaving in and out of lanes, Newbury said.

Romero exited at state Route 76, headed west and ran a red light at the intersection with Old Highway 395, Newbury said.

At that point, the officer who was pursuing him backed off and continued to follow with his lights and sirens off, Newbury said.

Seconds later, Romero crossed over the double yellow lines and collided head-on with a 1999 Toyota pickup. The driver was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His name has not been released.

Romero's truck then crashed into a 2004 Ford F-350 being driven by a 50-year-old man from Barstow. He and his 43-year-old wife suffered minor injuries, Newbury said.

Romero's truck rolled several times down an embankment until it came to a stop in a ditch.

One of his legs was severed at the knee but he still tried to escape officers and hopped about 50 feet before he fell to the ground.
He was taken to a hospital and will be booked on several felony charges including manslaughter, hit and run, driving under the influence and evading arrest. Newbury said he did not know Romero's immigration status.
State Route 76 was closed for several hours as authorities investigated.

The roadway was reopened about 4 a.m.

Debbi Baker: (619) 293-1710; (Contact)

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