When people think of DUI drug charges, they generally conjure images of illicit drugs like cocaine, methamphetamines, and heroin. Many California DUIs, however, are committed while taking legally prescribed medications or over-the-counter medicine. As long as the medicine affects a driver’s impairment, a DUI drug can be charged. Many times, a drug DUI is spotted by a specially-trained drug recognition officer. They are trained to detect the impairment that occurs with numerous different kinds of drugs.
The Press Democrat reports on a Eureka man arrested on suspicion of DUI drugs.
The accident happened just after 11 a.m. last Wednesday in Mendocino County. 65-year-old Carroll Johnson was driving his SUV north on Highway 101 when he crossed over the double yellow lines. He collided with a Mustang being driven by 24-year-old Kip Ford.
Inside Johnson’s vehicle was a 30-year-old passenger, Amber Younger. The accident caused Johnson’s vehicle to dangle precariously from a bridge. Rescue workers were able to extract both Johnson and Younger from the vehicle.
Johnson’s injuries were severe and required that he be transported by helicopter to the hospital. Younger’s injuries were serious enough to require her being airlifted to a separate hospital. Ford suffered from only minor injuries, but his passenger, 19-year-old Jennifer Ramirez, suffered major injuries and was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
Johnson was arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence of both alcohol and drugs. He was also charged with driving on a suspended or revoked license.
