El Toro : Man Killed in Crash; Drunk Driving Alleged

A man was killed when his car was nearly sheared in half in a three-car accident Saturday night that was caused by a drunk-driving suspect, the California Highway Patrol said.

A coroner’s deputy identified the dead man as Joseph John Poyer III, 25, of Trabuco Canyon. Poyer’s wife, Kara, 20, a passenger in the car, was treated and released at Saddleback Community Hospital.

Henry Fajardo, 38, of San Juan Capistrano, was arrested on suspicion of felony drunk driving, and manslaughter charges may be filed, according to a CHP dispatcher who declined to be identified.

Fajardo, driving a 1985 Cadillac, was westbound on El Toro Road, between Santa Margarita Parkway and Portola Parkway, about 7:45 p.m. Saturday, according to the CHP. When Fajardo drifted over the double yellow center line, Poyer, in the eastbound lanes, tried to swerve his 1984 Nissan SX to the right, the CHP said. Fajardo’s car hit Poyer’s on the left side, the CHP said.

Fajardo’s car then continued traveling on the wrong side of the road and collided with a 1982 Honda driven by Diane Henderson, 25, of Trabuco Canyon, who was eastbound on El Toro Road behind Poyer. She was sideswiped on the right side and spun around, her vehicle stopping on the shoulder of the road. Fajardo’s car also spun around and came to a stop, the CHP said.

Henderson was treated and released at Mission Community Hospital. Fajardo sustained moderate injuries and was listed in fair condition Sunday at Mission Community Hospital.