Suspected Drunk Driver Kills 1 In Tarzana 7-Car Crash

TARZANA (CBSLA.com) — A suspected drunk driver killed one person in a seven-vehicle crash in the San Fernando Valley, the Los Angeles Police Department said Tuesday.

The accident happened around 11:05 p.m. Monday in the 19200 block of Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana.

The male driver of a gray Ford Taurus was driving eastbound on Ventura — allegedly at a high rate of speed — when he crashed into six vehicles stopped at the intersection, the LAPD said.

An unidentified 60-year-old woman from Los Angeles, who was in the first car to be struck, died at the scene.

The suspected drunk driver, who is in his 30s, then went into a nearby convenience store, purchased a six-pack of beer and began drinking before paramedics tended to him.

"He was loudly asking for the beer, 'I need beer, beer,'" the clerk said.

"We've seen this happen in the past where somebody, because of the level of stress or whatever the situation is, they go out and consume some alcoholic beverages," Det. Bill Bustos said.

The suspect was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Three other people suffered minor injuries.

Investigators said speed was a factor in the crash. No arrests have been made.