Man’s arraignment continues today

A Huntington Beach man is expected to continue his arraignment today on suspicion of drinking and driving during a crash that killed the passenger.

Vincente Garcia Ramirez, 23, will be charged with one felony count of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and one misdemeanor count of driving without a valid license, officials said. The charges hold a maximum sentence of four years in state prison.

Ramirez is suspected of driving in Garden Grove after having several drinks at a bar and a house party about 2 a.m. Jan. 9, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office. He was allegedly speeding when he lost control of his Nissan Altima on Magnolia Street and drove up the center divider before crashing into a tree. Joyce Lopez, 22, was riding in the passenger seat and was pronounced dead later in the morning of blunt-force trauma.

Ramirez’ arraignment is expected to continue today in Courtroom W-15 at the West Justice Center in Westminster, officials said.

— Britney Barnes