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Car salesman killed in crash during Corvette test drive; driver arrested

Posted at 10:31 AM, Feb 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-24 14:22:45-05

ONTARIO, Calif. — A used salesman was killed when a red Corvette crashed during a test drive in Ontario, and the prospective car buyer was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter Tuesday afternoon, police said.

A fatal crash occurred about 12:45 p.m. near the CarMax at 4100 Inland Empire Blvd., Sgt. Jeff Higbee of the Ontario Police Department confirmed to KTLA.

A 28-year-old from Union City, Alex Demetro, was driving the vehicle when the car collided with a tree, killing the 43-year-old male passenger, the salesman, Higbee said.

Witnesses said the Chevrolet Corvette was being driven at a high rate of speed, and the driver lost control before crashing into a tree, a police new release stated.

The collision occurred on Mercedes Lane south of Councours Street, a couple blocks from the CarMax.

Demetro was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony driving under the influence of drugs.

The suspect was not believed to have been under the influence of alcohol but investigators were looking at whether drugs were a contributing factor, Higbee said.

The victim was from Montclair, according to the sergeant. He was transported in critical condition to San Antonio Regional Hospital, where he died.

Police were expected to release more information later Tuesday evening.