Suspected Drunk Driver Plowed Truck Into Lancaster Home, Killing Sleeping Woman

LANCASTER (CBSLA.com) — A 71-year-old was killed Sunday night after a suspected drunk driver plowed his vehicle into her Lancaster home.

The accident took place around 10:55 p.m. in the 1000 block of West Avenue J-12, according to detectives.

Aaron Benson, 25, was allegedly driving under the influence in a silver 2001 Toyota Tacoma when he collided with several parked vehicles on both sides of the street.

He then lost control and crashed into the victim's bedroom where she was sleeping.

At least five neighbors rushed to the scene to assist.

"The woman, who was the only person inside the home at the time of the collision, was found in her bed, underneath the vehicle," Sgt. D. Jennings said.

(credit: CBS)

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

"It's devastating. It looks like a bomb blew up over there," Alice Brass said.

Neighbors say they will remember the sweet woman next door who loved her cats, the theater and gardening.

"She was really artistic, and she liked to work on her little yard, that was a really big thing for her," Dani Yamamoto said.

(credit: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department)

Benson was charged with felony drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter. He was being held on $1 million bail.

Investigators were asking for the public's assistance and would appreciate anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Lancaster Sheriff's Station at (661)948-8466.