2 Teen Girls Struck by Suspected Drunken Driver in Critical Condition

October 12, 2009

Loma Linda – Two 19-year-old girls are in critical condition after being struck by a suspected drunken driver on the Freeway 10 while changing a flat tire, officials said.

The victims, Vickie Chen and Elaine Shin Ly, both from Rosemead, were standing in front of their Toyota Camry along the westbound 10 lanes near the Richardson Street overpass when they were struck about 3:15 am Saturday.

According to CHP Officer Hope Maxson, the suspect, who was identified as 23-year-old Daniel Miersma of Redland, drove off the freeway and rear-ended the girl’s car at about 70 mph.

Chen suffered a broken leg and major blunt trauma to the head while Ly sustained a compound fracture to her right leg and multiple contusions.

Miersma was booked on suspicion of felony driving under the influence and injuring another person.