3 injured in 405 smash-up; culprit remains at large

Authorities continue to look for a driver that caused a four-car accident that left one vehicle overturned and on fire, California Highway Patrol officials said Wednesday.

At about 7:20 p.m. Tuesday the driver of a red 2005 Scion slammed into the passenger side of a Ford Explorer, causing it to flip over and catch fire. The Explorer carried an 18-year-old man, 19-year-old woman and a 2-year-old. All escaped with moderate to minor injuries.

The Scion’s driver, whom officials describe as a white male with dark hair, a light-colored shirt and dark pants, ran away from the accident, CHP officer Jennifer Hink said. Costa Mesa’s police helicopter reported sighting a man matching that description on Gisler Avenue and Harbor Boulevard, but he was not apprehended, Costa Mesa Sgt. Paul Beckman said.

The Scion is registered to a person in Perris, Hink said. She would not say whether it is the suspect.

After the initial impact, the Scion lost control and veered right, hitting a white 2004 Toyota Corolla. The Explorer slammed into a silver 2003 Honda Accord. Costa Mesa fire fighters responded to the accident.

— Joseph Serna