Fullerton, CA – Alexander Marce, a 28-year-old Anaheim resident, tragically lost his life in a DUI collision on Wednesday night. The accident occurred at the intersection of Orangethorpe Avenue and Gilbert Street. Francisco Garcia-Vargas, 44, of Fullerton, was arrested at the scene. According to authorities, Garcia-Vargas faces charges of driving without a license, felony driving under the influence, and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
The Fullerton Police Department and other emergency personnel responded to the crash site around 9:45 p.m. Investigators revealed that Marce was riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Orangethorpe Avenue and had stopped at a red light at the intersection with Gilbert Street. Driving a BMW eastbound on Orangethorpe, Garcia-Vargas allegedly ran the red light and rear-ended Marce’s motorcycle. The impact of the collision ejected Marce from his motorcycle, resulting in fatal injuries. Marce was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses at the site detained Garcia-Vargas, preventing him from leaving until police arrived.
While police were investigating the scene around midnight, a secondary crash occurred. A Tesla, driven by an individual who claimed to have engaged the vehicle’s ‘self-drive’ mode while using his cell phone, crashed into an unoccupied police patrol vehicle blocking traffic. The patrol car had its emergency lights on, and flares were placed on the roadway to alert drivers. Fortunately, no one was hurt in this secondary crash. The Tesla driver was not arrested; it is unclear if he was cited.
The Fullerton Police Department is continuing its investigation into the fatal collision. Authorities are working to gather all pertinent details and ensure justice is served. This tragic incident highlights the severe consequences of driving under the influence and the importance of road safety. The community mourns the loss of Alexander Marce and supports efforts to prevent such incidents in the future. Anyone with additional information regarding the crash is encouraged to contact the Fullerton Police Department.
