PALMDALE – Both the victim and suspect in a head-on crash in Palmdale were identified by authorities Tuesday.
Melyssa Cardaropoli, 47, of Rosamond died at the scene of the crash around 12:05 a.m. Sunday on Sierra Highway, south of Avenue E, according to the Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner.
Officers were dispatched regarding a two-vehicle head-on collision between a 1999 Chevrolet and a 2018 Hyundai, according to the California Highway Patrol.
After further investigation, detectives learned that the Chevrolet, driven by a 29-year-old Palmdale man, identified as Marcos Gonzalez, was traveling south on Sierra Highway and was witnessed drifting into opposite traffic lanes several times before colliding head-on with the Hyundai.
Cardaropoli was pronounced dead at the scene, while Gonzalez was taken to Antelope Valley Medical Center with severe injuries, according to the CHP. He was later taken into custody and booked on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and gross vehicular manslaughter.
Traffic in the area was affected for approximately three hours while authorities conducted an investigation, with detectives noting that both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision.
Anyone with information regarding the fatal collision was urged to call the CHP Antelope Valley area office at 661-743-6060. Calls made after business hours should be made to the Los Angeles Traffic Management Center at 323-259-3200.
