Police: Woman to face drunk driving charges

A Santa Ana woman will likely face felony drunk driving charges following a violent head-on crash in Newport Beach near Hoag Drive that sent five people to the hospital, police said Tuesday.

Carol Nadine Quiroz, 18, was driving a 1997 Acura Integra when it lost control on southbound Newport Boulevard between Hoag Drive and Industrial Way and crossed over the center median and collided with a northbound Dodge truck.

Quiroz was taken to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana and listed in critical but stable condition. Her passenger was treated for minor injuries there.

The driver and passengers in the Dodge truck had minor injuries and were taken to UCI Medical Center and Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.

Drugs and alcohol appeared to play a role in the crash, police said. Quiroz will likely face charges once her condition improves, said Sgt. Steve Burdette.

—Joseph Serna