A suspected drunk driver slammed into another vehicle Saturday afternoon, injuring three people.
The accident happened at 3:30 p.m. in Hawthorne. A Torrance police officer spotted the suspected drunk driver, 31-year-old John Tippins of Inglewood, weaving in and out of traffic. Tippins was driving a silver, four-door Nissan, traveling westbound on Redondo Beach Blvd. near Prairie Ave. He turned onto Prairie and almost hit another car, at which time the officer turned on his sirens and lights. The driver sped away, traveling at speeds of up to 80 mph, according to Torrance police Sgt. Steven Jenkinson.
Tippins then slammed into a two-door Toyota that was heading westbound as it traveled through the intersection of Rosecrans and Prairie in Hawthorne.
Three occupants of the Toyota, a man, a woman, and a 2-year-old child, suffered injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
The Nissan driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and driving with a suspended license. Police found open alcohol containers in his car. He also had a warrant for felony evading arrest and driving under the influence.