California law provides for several “enhancements” to DUI charges. Unlike separate charges, these enhancements allow for harsher penalties. For example, a person with a high blood-alcohol content may be charged with DUI and the enhancement of excessive blood-alcohol. However, in some cases, there are no enhancement charges. A hit-and-run, for example, is not an enhancement charge for a DUI. A hit-and-run is usually charged as a separate crime. Depending on the severity of the accident, both the DUI and the hit-and-run may be charged as felonies. If they are charged as felonies, the driver may find themselves facing the possibility of serving time in jail or prison for both crimes.
NBC San Diego reports that a suspect arrested in a hit-and-run in Oceanside was the driver in a deadly pedestrian crash.
27-year-old Wesley Stuart is facing a number of charges, including vehicular manslaughter, felony DUI, and felony hit-and-run.
The charges stem from a collision last Tuesday evening at the intersection of Douglas Drive and Mission Avenue. According to police, Stuart ran a red light and crashed into another truck. He then drove away.
Some time later, 65-year-old Tran Thanhminh was struck by Stuart and became pinned beneath the vehicle. As Stuart sped along Mission Avenue, Thanhminh was dragged about 150 feet.
Tranhminh was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police discovered a truck abandoned nearby that they believe was involved in the accident. Stuart was identified as the driver and taken into custody. Near the truck, police discovered smashed beer bottles.
