Northridge man, 23, faces possible DUI charge in Porter Ranch crash that killed passenger, 22

A 23-year-old man was hospitalized and facing a possible driving under the influence charge Monday after a crash in Porter Ranch that killed his passenger.

The crash was reported about 10:05 a.m. Sunday, when the driver’s gray 2015 Acura lost control while speeding south on Tampa Avenue south of Tunney Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The Acura ran off the side of the road and collided with a traffic light and some private property, police said.

“The force of the collision caused one of the passengers to sustain fatal injuries and a second passenger to sustain moderate injuries,” according to an LAPD statement.

The passenger who died was a 22-year-old man. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics. His name was withheld pending positive identification and notification of his next of kin.

The driver, Ernesto Ramos of Northridge, suffered severe injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment, police said.

“He remains at the hospital under police custody at this time and will be facing charges upon his release,” police said.

There was no word on whether Ramos was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both.

A second passenger sustained moderate injuries, police said.

Anyone with information about the crash is urged to call 818-644-8116 to speak with Investigator Takashita in the LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division. Anonymous tips can be submitted through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or lacrimestoppers.org.