(Santa Ana, CA) Andrew Raul Gonzalez was charged on November 5, after a pursuit ended at Fourth Street and Golden Circle Drive, killing Michelle Lynn Boston .
On Monday, November 2, at about 9:55 p.m., a pursuit involving Tustin police ended in a collision near the intersection. Gonzalez was driving north on Golden Circle Drive when his vehicle entered Fourth Street and struck a westbound vehicle, according to Santa Ana police.
Michelle Lynn Boston, 46, of Cypress, was one of three people in the vehicle that was struck. She later died at a hospital. Two other adults were also taken to a hospital, police said.
Following the collision, officers arrested Gonzalez at the scene and booked him into Santa Ana Jail. Investigators said they suspected impairment contributed to the crash.
The charges filed Thursday included gross vehicular manslaughter, fleeing police causing death and reckless driving causing injury to someone other than the driver, all reported as felonies. Gonzalez, a Downey resident, was also charged with misdemeanor driving on a suspended or revoked license.
Santa Ana police’s Collision Investigation Unit is handling the crash investigation. Anyone with information can contact Detective K. Briley at 714-245-8215 or the department’s Traffic Division at 714-245-8200.
Legal Overview of the Fourth Street Crash
The reported charges concern both the flight from police and the injuries caused when the pursued vehicle entered the intersection. Each allegation requires proof connecting the driving conduct to the harm.
California Vehicle Code 2800.3 addresses willfully fleeing or attempting to evade a pursuing peace officer when that flight causes death or serious bodily injury. The death-related provision concerns the allegation that Gonzalez’s flight caused Boston’s fatal injuries.
The additional injury allegation concerns California Vehicle Code 23104, which addresses reckless driving that causes bodily injury to someone other than the driver. Recklessness requires more than an ordinary driving mistake; it concerns driving with willful or wanton disregard for safety.
For this collision, the prosecution must establish the conduct underlying the pursuit. They will need to connect Gonzalez’s reckless driving to the victims’ injuries. The filed charges identify what prosecutors intend to prove.
Advice for the Family
You can use Gonzalez’s full name when contacting the Orange County District Attorney’s Office about the Fourth Street crash and request a victim-services contact for the case. That contact can explain hearing notifications and how Boston’s family and the injured occupants can provide information about their respective losses for any restitution consideration.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 888-888-9285 to speak with a lawyer.
