|
A driver suspected of driving under the influence of drugs was arrested early Saturday morning after crashing into a police car in Escondido, California, and attempting to flee the scene. According to local accident reports, the crash took place just after 5 a.m. near the intersection of Valley Parkway and Hickory Street, where a Cadillac SUV piloted by 23 year old Michael Najera crashed into the back of a patrol car, forcing it forward and disabling it before driving off without making any attempt to stop. The lone officer in the car quickly called for backup, and within minutes police were able to track the SUV down. They attempted to bring Najera to a stop, but he refused, sending them on a chase through the city at low speeds. He eventually led police onto state Route 78 into San Marcos, where the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the California Highway Patrol joined the pursuit. After approximately 50 minutes, the chase was brought to a close as the SUV crashed into the wall of an elderly care facility near San Marcos High School. Najera reportedly tried to run from police on foot, but he was quickly caught. Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved in the slowly developing chase, and no one from the elderly care facility was hurt. Though traveling at low speeds, Najera’s SUV could have inflicted serious and even life threatening damages to those at the facility should contact have been made. The officer struck at the onset of the ordeal escaped with only minor injuries and was quickly treated at an area hospital and released. Najera himself was unhurt. Once tackled, Najera was booked into Vista jail in Escondido and faces felony charges or driving under the influence of drugs and hit and run, as well as pursuit and resisting arrest. His bail has been set at $100,000, and his arraignment has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 7. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol presents a serious threat to both you and those around you on the road. Your reactions times are severely inhibited, as is your ability to make correct decisions and follow the rules of the road. Impaired, you may find yourself taking more dangerous and ill-conceived risks without the means to avoid an accident should the threat develop. Though Najera now finds himself in serious legal troubles, his situation could have been much worse had his actions led to more significant damages to those involved in the accident and subsequent chase. If you find yourself impaired by the influence of drugs or alcohol, you should avoid driving at all costs, lest a dangerous accident like this take place. For those who have been hurt in such a crash, we at AA Accident Attorneys have a car accident lawyer ready to help you recover what you need to get back on your feet quickly.
Related Articles -
DUI, police chase, car accident,
|
