Car Hits 3 Vehicles, Killing Woman

A Palmdale woman died Saturday night after her car was struck by a car that swerved into her lane, authorities said.

Barbara Miller, 57, was driving south near Palmdale on Sierra Highway near Avenue M at 10:50 p.m. when she was hit by a northbound car driven by Juan Rizo, 32, of Lancaster, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies said. Rizo swerved into her lane after hitting another vehicle.

Deputies believe Rizo was driving under the influence of alcohol.

Rizo was driving north on Sierra Highway when he hit one of two cars that had been involved in a previous two-car collision. Rizo’s vehicle drifted into the southbound lanes, striking two southbound vehicles, deputies said. Miller was driving the second vehicle.

Rizo suffered major injuries in the collisions. The other drivers all had minor injuries.

Rizo was in critical condition Sunday at Antelope Valley Hospital Medical Center. Deputies said he is to be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.