A Lake Forest resident has been arrested following a fatal two-vehicle traffic collision that occurred in the city on Thursday, August 6. The incident, which resulted in the death of one individual, prompted an emergency response to the intersection of El Toro Road and Via Ridgeline Road. Deputies were dispatched to the scene at approximately 9:39 p.m. to investigate the report of a collision.
Orange County Fire Authority personnel arrived at the site of the crash to provide assistance. Upon their assessment, fire teams located an adult male, described by authorities as being in his 70s, who was deceased. The identity of the victim is being withheld by officials, pending notification of his next of kin. This practice allows for family members to be informed privately before any public release of identifying details.
Joel Obed MendezCamargo, 22, also a resident of Lake Forest, was identified as the driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision. Following the incident, deputies arrested MendezCamargo. He was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence. Subsequently, MendezCamargo was booked into the Orange County Jail. Official records indicate he faces a charge of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, a felony related to causing a death while operating a vehicle under the influence.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this fatal incident. The department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) has assumed primary responsibility for the inquiry. MAIT specializes in the detailed examination of severe traffic collisions, working to reconstruct events, gather evidence, and identify the factors contributing to such incidents within Orange County.
Authorities are appealing to the public for assistance as the investigation continues. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone who may have witnessed the collision or possesses additional information relevant to the case to contact MAIT directly. The team can be reached at (949) 425-1860. For individuals who prefer to submit information without disclosing their identity, anonymous tips are accepted through Orange County Crime Stoppers. Tips can be provided by calling (855) TIP-OCCS or by visiting the official Orange County Sheriff’s Department website for confidential submissions.
