Police Arrest Injured Drivers After 2-Vehicle Collision

SIMI VALLEY — Two drivers who were injured in a crash early Saturday were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, Simi Valley police said.

Both drivers and their passengers were taken to hospitals for treatment after the 12:02 a.m. two-vehicle crash on Los Angeles Avenue at Church Street, said Simi Valley Police Sgt. Karl Becker.

Vilma Zita, 28, of Simi Valley was driving a 1998 Ford Escort east on Los Angeles Avenue when her car collided with a 1990 Toyota pickup driven by Sonia Reed, 38, of Simi Valley, Becker said.

Reed was headed west on Los Angeles Avenue and was attempting to turn left onto Church Street. The impact totaled both vehicles, Becker said.

Because the drivers were hurt badly, investigators did not conduct breath tests, but officers reported that there was a strong smell of alcohol at the scene, Becker said.

Zita and Reed were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and then were released. Detectives were unsure who was at fault, Becker said.

Reed and her passenger, 32-year-old Max Taylor of Simi Valley, were taken to Simi Valley Hospital, where Reed was listed in serious but stable condition late Saturday and Taylor’s condition was listed as fair but stable, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Zita and her passenger, 32-year-old James Reed of Simi Valley, who is no relation to Sonia Reed, were taken to Los Robles Regional Medical Center.

Zita, who was flown by helicopter, was listed in serious but stable condition late Saturday, a spokeswoman said. James Reed was treated and released.