CRASH SUSPECT ARRESTED; HIT-RUN LED TO FATAL, 5-VEHICLE SMASH-UP.

Byline: Greg Botonis Staff Writer

California Highway Patrol officers arrested a Littlerock man they believe fled after causing a five-vehicle crash on Highway 138 that left one man dead.

Phillip House, 26, who officials believe was driving a borrowed flatbed truck that triggered the collision Tuesday night, was arrested at his home just after 11 a.m. Wednesday on suspicion of felony hit-and-run driving and vehicular manslaughter.

``We got a call from a Littlerock man looking for his vehicle,'' said Officer Scott Weldy. ``The vehicle he was looking for was the same one involved in the collision, and by talking to him we were able to find out who had the vehicle during the time of the accident.''

According to CHP officials, House had borrowed the truck from the friend two or three hours before the collision, which occurred just after 8 p.m. Tuesday night on Highway 138 just west of 165th Street East.

CHP officials said an eastbound 1983 Chevrolet flatbed pickup drifted into the westbound lane, sideswiping a 1986 Ford Bronco.

The Bronco crossed into the eastbound lane, hit a metal guard rail and was hit broadside by a 1997 Ford pickup truck.

The flatbed truck spun out of control and came to rest blocking the westbound lane, where it was hit by a 1989 Chevrolet van. The van was rear-ended by a Geo Storm, the CHP said.

Witnesses reported seeing the flatbed truck's driver flee following the collision.

The driver of the Bronco was airlifted to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, where he died from his injuries. His name was not released.

The pickup truck driver, Edward Provost, 46, of Apple Valley, was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital with minor injuries, the CHP said. David Whitson, 22, of Canoga Park, the van's driver, and Benjamin Calderon, 28, of Los Angeles, the Geo driver, were not injured, officials said.

House was being held at Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles.