Driver struck pedestrian while under the influence at Fountain Valley intersection
January 19, 2026 | Fountain Valley, CA
A tragic incident unfolded in Fountain Valley when a 47-year-old driver, suspected of impairment, struck and fatally injured a pedestrian on a Monday evening.
Authorities responded swiftly to the scene, leading to the driver's arrest.
Bruce Schlusemeyer, 47, was arrested after driving a Toyota Camry that struck and killed a pedestrian near Warner Avenue and Newhope Street in Fountain Valley.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision took place around 7:30 p.m. near the intersection of Warner Avenue and Newhope Street. The driver, identified as Bruce Schlusemeyer, was operating a Toyota Camry at the time.
- Date and Time: Jan. 19, approximately 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Warner Avenue and Newhope Street, Fountain Valley, CA
- Vehicle Involved: Toyota Camry
- Suspect: Bruce Schlusemeyer, 47 years old
- Victim: Unidentified pedestrian who succumbed to injuries
- Charges: Felony driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
Schlusemeyer was taken into custody immediately following the crash. The Fountain Valley Police Department's Traffic Bureau has launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances.
Individuals with any relevant information are encouraged to contact the department at 714-593-4481 to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Impaired driving remains a persistent danger on roadways across the nation, resulting in avoidable fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a drunk-driving-related death occurred every 42 minutes in the United States in 2023.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that non-alcohol drugs contribute to about 18% of motor vehicle driver deaths. Any substance affecting cognition heightens risks for all road users.
Statistic |
Source |
Details |
|---|
Drunk Driving Fatalities Frequency |
NHTSA (2023) |
One death every 42 minutes |
Drug-Related Driver Deaths |
CDC |
Approximately 18% of total motor vehicle deaths |
Preventability |
General Consensus |
100% preventable through responsible choices |
These figures underscore the urgent need for heightened awareness and enforcement to curb such preventable tragedies.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts offer valuable perspectives on handling cases involving impaired driving incidents.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline. “Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a grieving family during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights, while ensuring that a drunk driver is held accountable for their reckless actions.” In cases such as this.
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims to cover expenses like medical bills, funerals, and emotional losses.
- Civil actions can address negligence from unsafe driving behaviors, including DUI.
- Legal support ensures accountability and aids families in navigating complex processes.
- Compensation might include pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and future financial effects.
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, a hit-and-run, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.” In cases such as this.
Pending investigation outcomes, affected families could explore options for restitution related to the loss.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).