Man Dies After Car Hits Telephone Pole

A 40-year-old man whose car crashed into a telephone pole died Monday from injuries suffered in the accident, police said.

Roger Maldonado of Anaheim was driving near Katella Avenue and Varna Street about 5 p.m. Saturday when his car swerved and struck a telephone pole, Police Investigator Rick Alexander said. Maldonado suffered injuries to the chest and abdomen and was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange, where he died early Monday.

Investigators do not know why his car swerved off the road but believe alcohol might have been a factor, based on statements Maldonado made to paramedics, Alexander said. Witnesses said Maldonado was straddling two lanes at about 35 mph, which is within the speed limit in the area, before the accident.

He was not wearing a seat belt, Alexander said. Maldonado was alone in the car.