A driver is in custody following an early morning fatal collision in the Noralto neighborhood of North Sacramento.

On Sunday, February 3, 2013, at approximately 3:46 a.m., the Sacramento Police Department responded to the 100 block of El Camino Avenue for a vehicle accident where two passengers were ejected from a sport utility vehicle.

One of the ejected passengers was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police officers and Sacramento fire personnel arrived and found that both vehicles involved had multiple occupants.  The sport utility vehicle (SUV) that was struck from behind was occupied by four male adults.   The driver had a front passenger and two passengers in the back seat.

The second vehicle involved was a sedan occupied by an intoxicated 24-year-old female driver, identified as Reena Ashlie Sanchez, and her two children, a one and two-year-old.  Both children were secured in car seats.

Reena Ashlie Sanchez, 24

Preliminary investigation revealed that Sanchez was driving at a high rate of speed westbound on El Camino Avenue approaching Colfax Street and struck the SUV that was also traveling in the same direction. The sedan struck the SUV from behind causing the SUV to hit a tree which spun the vehicle ejecting the two rear occupants.

The 30-year-old male died at the scene while the other ejected passenger and front passenger were transported to an area hospital.  The driver of the SUV did not require medical attention.

Sanchez was detained at the scene and transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Sanchez’ children were also transported to an area hospital as a precaution and are now in protective custody.

At approximately 11:34 a.m., Reena Ashlie Sanchez was booked into Sacramento County Jail for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and child endangerment.

Traffic Investigators, Crime Scene Investigators and the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office responded and are currently involved in the investigation.  Child Protective Services were notified and are assisting in the case.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone who witnessed this accident or has any information to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Approximate Location; from Google Maps