A man accused of driving under the influence of drugs when he struck and killed a Costa Mesa fire captain who was riding his bike was charged Tuesday with murder.
Capt. Mike Kreza was hospitalized Saturday in critical condition after he was struck by a van in Mission Viejo. He died Monday morning.
The driver, Stephen Taylor Scarpa, 25, of Mission Viejo, was charged Tuesday with on felony count of murder. He allegedly crossed into the bike lane on eastbound Alicia Parkway near Via Burgos, drove onto the sidewalk and struck 44-year-old Kreza, an 18-year member of the Costa Mesa Fire Department.
Multiple prescription medications were found inside the van, according to the Orange County District Attorney. It was not immediately clear whether Scarpa has an attorney.