21 Year Old Suspect Flees Deadly Crash

Under California law, if an accident causes property damage or injuries, both parties must remain at the scene until police arrive. Leaving the scene of an accident with just property damage is classified as a misdemeanor while leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injuries can be a felony. If convicted, not only will a person be facing the penalties associated with hit and run, they will also have penalties connected to a DUI charge.

The Merced Sun-Star reports on a man arrested for fleeing the scene of a fatal DUI accident in Los Banos.

21-year-old Ivan Andrade was arrested on Monday in connection with a deadly hit-and-run accident that occurred on Sunday morning on Pacheco Boulevard.

Police believe that Andrade was driving a white Dodge Challenger at speeds of over 100 mph while intoxicated when he slammed into a Nissan Pathfinder. The force of the collision tore the Pathfinder in two. Andrade escaped from the scene on foot, leaving a passenger trapped inside the Challenger. As rescue workers worked to free the trapped passenger, the vehicle caught fire but was soon extinguished.

Despite wearing a seat-belt, the driver of the Pathfinder was ejected from the vehicle. Two passengers suffered from serious injuries, and a third occupant of the Pathfinder was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Monday, police caught up to Andrade at his home and placed him under arrest. He was arrested on charges of vehicular manslaughter, gross negligence, and hit-and-run involving injury or death. Authorities believe that alcohol was a factor and additional charges are expected.

 

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