The Times of San Diego reports that a 22-year-old woman who was arrested for her role in a fatal crash in February pleaded not guilty to the charge of DUI manslaughter in court on Wednesday,
Prosecutors allege that on Sunday, February 26, Isabella Herrera was driving under the influence of alcohol when she struck a 63-year-old Oceanside man.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office said that the man had pulled next to the center divider of the eastbound lanes of Route 78 to change a flat tire on his vehicle at approximately 10:30 a.m. Herrera swerved her Buick Verano sedan and struck a center divider where the man and his vehicle stopped. Herrera’s vehicle struck the stopped car and the man.
The California Highway Patrol and paramedics responded to the scene. The 63-year-old man was declared dead at the scene.
Herrera also suffered moderate injuries in the crash and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. She was arrested on multiple charges, including DUI gross manslaughter and felony driving under the influence of alcohol, shortly after being released by doctors.
Herrera was released from jail on a $500,000 bond.
In a statement, the San Diego District Attorney’s Office said that if Herrera is convicted of the charges against her, she could face up to 10 years in prison.
