Oceanside CA—This afternoon, Tuesday October 19, 2021, at approximately 2:20 pm, the Oceanside Police Department responded to a collision involving multiple vehicles in the intersection of Jefferson Ave and Hwy 78 westbound. Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive male inside a 2006 Lexus and two victims in a 2000 Toyota 4 Runner. Paramedics arrived on scene and pronounced the 60-year-old driver of the Lexus deceased. The two victims in the Toyota were evaluated at the scene and released with minor injuries.
Based on physical evidence at the scene, and witness statements, it appears the Lexus was traveling at a high rate of speed southbound on Jefferson Ave from Vista Way towards the 78 overpass when it ran a red light, and collided with the Toyota that was making a left turn on a green arrow from Jefferson Ave to westbound 78. The collision caused the Lexus to veer to the right and it collided head on with the light pole at the corner of the intersection. The driver of the Lexus was not wearing his seatbelt at the time. It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs was a factor.
The investigation is ongoing. The Oceanside Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team is conducting the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to call Accident Investigator Clint Bussey at (760) 435-4412.