Most of the time, a DUI charge in California is a misdemeanor. There are a few ways in which a DUI can be charged as a felony. The first is if it is a person’s fourth DUI in a 10-year period. In these cases, the DUI will automatically be charged as a felony. The second way a DUI can be charged as a felony is if the person already has a felony DUI conviction on their record. Another way a DUI can be charged as a felony is if there is an accident that involves injuries.
KHTS reports that a suspect has been arrested and charged with a felony DUI after six people were injured in a crash on the 14 Freeway. First responders received reports of the crash at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Reports indicated that five cars were involved, and a person was possibly trapped. Six ambulances transported six people to hospitals.
The suspect’s vehicle was a black Ford F-150 pickup truck. The vehicle collided with four other vehicles and then flipped over. An investigation conducted by the California Highway Patrol determined that the driver of the truck was possibly under the influence. The driver was identified as 52-year-old Gilbert Rosario. He was arrested and booked on felony DUI charges.
Prior to the crash, witnesses reported on social media that Rosario had been driving on the shoulder at high speeds. The CHP has not released the level of intoxication because the investigation is still ongoing. He was transported to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station jail. Bond was set at $20,000.
