Man Helping Motorist Killed by Alleged Drunk Driver

A tow truck driver changing the tire of a motorist's Mercedes on the San Diego (405) Freeway in Long Beach was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver, the CHP reported. That driver suffered moderate injuries and was arrested, the CHP said.

The California Highway Patrol identified the tow truck driver as Faapuna Manu, and it was not immediately known what city he lived in. The Coroner's Office was still collecting evidence and investigating the case, and did not immediately release information.

Manu's family also stepped forward to identify him early Sunday. While Manu was on the job, there have been many good Samaritans injured or killed in the past while offering roadside rescue or assistance.

The crash happened at about 2 a.m. in a painted shoulder of the northbound onramp from Orange Avenue, according to a CHP news release.

The tow truck driver was fixing a tire for a disabled Mercedes Benz when Raymond Burley, at the wheel of a 2005 Toyota, drove into the Mercedes and the tow truck driver, according to the statement. It said the tow truck driver died at the scene and Burley, moderately injured, was arrested for suspicion of felony drunken driving.

Long Beach Police Department has conducted numerous DUI checkpoints in 2012, funded by transportation grants, but none in recent months.

--City News Service contributed to this report.