EL MONTE -- An allegedly drunken driver crashed into a Foothill Transit bus Monday, then fled the scene after catching a ride with a passing motorist who later reported the incident to police, authorities said.
The man was driving a red Nissan at high speeds on Cogswell Road about 5 p.m. when he struck a bus stopped near Metrolink train tracks, El Monte police Lt. Ken Alva said.
The Nissan spun out of control and landed on the tracks, he said. A male driver and two passengers fled the vehicle on foot.
The Nissan's driver flagged down a vehicle a few blocks from the crash and the motorist gave him a ride to his El Monte home, Alva said.
The motorist later reported the incident to police, who went to the home and arrested the driver on suspicion of driving under the influence and fleeing the scene of an accident, Alva said.
Two passengers on the bus at the time of the incident were not injured, officials said.
Two Metrolink trains made emergency stops while officials removed the vehicle from the tracks. The trains resumed their commute after an estimated 15 minute delay.
The intersection remained closed to vehicles at 8 p.m., however, because of damage done to the crossing arms during the crash, police said.
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