BRIEFLY IN PUBLIC SAFETY

Huntington man dies in car crash

A Huntington Beach man driving in Westminster early Friday died in a violent solo crash after losing control of his car, authorities said. The Orange County Coroner’s office has identified him as David Martinez, 23.

The man was driving north on Bolsa Chica Road at Rancho Road at about 1:50 a.m., according to Westminster police Sgt. Brian Carpenter. Martinez lost control of his Honda Civic, hit the curb, smashed through a guard rail and into a light pole. The car overturned and threw Martinez from the vehicle, Carpenter said.

Police are still investigating the cause of the crash, Carpenter said, but added, “high speed may have been a factor.”

No one else was involved. Martinez died of his traumatic injuries at the scene, coroner’s spokesman Larry Esslinger said.

Police conducting DUI checkpoint

Huntington Beach Police will be conducting a DUI checkpoint on Friday at Beach Boulevard and Yorktown Avenue.

The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, police said.

Police hope to reduce the number of people killed or injured in alcohol-related collisions by stopping drivers before they have a chance to cause a tragedy.

For any questions, contact the traffic bureau at (714) 536-5663.