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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Suspected DUI driver slams into bedroom, killing teenager inside

Near the U.S. Capitol
Near the U.S. Capitol
(
Photo by Victoria Pickering via Flickr Creative Commons
)

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A teenager was killed early Sunday when an SUV, driven by a suspected DUI driver, slammed into her first floor bedroom in Palmdale, NBC4 reported. 

The crash took place at around 3:15 a.m. Sunday near Avenue R and 10th Street, the station reported. Family told NBC4 the victim as Giselle Mendoza, a sophomore at Palmdale High School.

"The driver was northbound on Tenth Street East at a high rate of speed and either tried to turn, or lost control, impacted the curb and went into the apartment building and unfortunately, killed a teenage girl that was asleep inside the apartment," L.A. County Sheriff's Department Sergeant David Sauer told NBC4.

Records show police arrested 20 year-old Roberto Rodriguez on suspicion of driving under the influence. He's being held in lieu of $100,000 bail. 

Many residents in the building were evacuated as investigators removed the vehicle.

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