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Category Archives: Alcohol

Man with prior DUI convictions charged again after a fatal DUI crash in Newport Beach

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SANTA ANA, Calif. – A 28-year-old Costa Mesa man charged with murder for killing Richard Frost, 74, of Newport Beacha while driving under the influence had three prior driving under the influence convictions and was wanted on warrants on two other driving under the influence cases. He has also been charged in a hit-and-run that occurred shortly before the fatal collision.

Stewart Waithanji was arrested by Costa Mesa police at a nearby bar parking lot shortly after the hit-and-run collision that left the 74-year-old man dead.

Waithanji has been charged with one felony count of murder, one felony count of driving under the influence, one felony count of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher, and two misdemeanor counts of hit and run.

Prosecutors have asked for an increased bail of $2 million. He faces a maximum sentence of life if convicted on all charges.

Around 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021, Costa Mesa police were called to the scene of a hit-and-run accident on Newport Boulevard south of 17th Street with witnesses attempting stop the driver from leaving the scene. Officers found an injured 74-year-old man in the street. The man was treated by paramedics and taken to a local hospital where he died.

Witnesses reported the victim was attempting to stop the driver of a silver Chevy Malibu from leaving the scene when he was struck. The driver, later identified as Waithanji, continued driving. He was arrested a short time later in the parking lot of a Los Alamitos bar.

Waithanji was wanted on a warrant on a September 2019 driving under the influence case and also on second warrant for an October 2019 driving under the influence case. He has three prior driving under the influence convictions in Iowa.

“The life of a human being is not something to be discarded and thrown away; a life is something to be celebrated, treasured, and lived to the very fullest,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Yet, a 74-year-old man was left for dead in the middle of the street, tossed aside as if he never mattered, because of the selfish decision of a stranger to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. His life may not have mattered to the driver who left him for dead, but it matters to me and it matters to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. And we will fight for justice for him and everyone who loved him.”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Heather Brown of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

Santa Ana man arrested for a fatal DUI collision in Alhambra

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Marquez Juan Fuentes Lizardo, a 22-year-old Santa Ana man, was arrested by the Alhambra police on suspicion of murder and driving under the influence after a car crashed into a pole, killing the front passenger on Wednesday night, March 24.

On Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at 9:43 PM Alhambra Police Department officers responded to a call of a single vehicle collision at 3000 W. Valley Blvd. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located a 4-door sedan with major collision damage to the right side.

An unresponsive 21-year-old female was in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Alhambra Fire Department personnel arrived and transported the female to a local area trauma center with major injuries. Despite life-saving efforts by the Alhambra Fire Department and hospital staff, the female was ultimately pronounced deceased. The female’s identity is being withheld at this time pending positive identification and notification to the next-of-kin.

Initial investigation revealed the vehicle was traveling westbound on Valley Blvd, lost control, and struck a concrete light pole.

Officers detained two adult male subjects at the scene who stated they had been in the vehicle at the time of the collision. Although neither party claimed to be the driver at the time of the collision, a witness came forward and identified one of the males, 22-yr-old Santa Ana resident Marquez Juan Fuentes Lizardo, as the driver.

Officers observed Suspect Lizardo displayed objective symptoms of alcohol intoxication. A breath test verified his blood alcohol content was twice the legal limit.

Suspect Lizardo was placed under arrest for murder and felony DUI (187 (a) PC/23153 (a) (b) VC). He is currently being held on $2,000,000 bail and will be arraigned at the Los Angeles County Superior Court – Alhambra Courthouse on Friday, March 26, 2021.

The SAPD will be conducting a DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint tonight

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The Santa Ana Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday, March 19, 2021. It will begin at 8:00 PM and is scheduled to conclude at 2:00 AM.

The primary purpose of a DUI Checkpoint is to deter impaired driving, not to increase arrests. All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as ensuring drivers have a valid driver’s license. The DMV reports that unlicensed drivers are 4.9 times more likely to cause a fatal crash than a licensed driver is.

The checkpoint will be staffed by officers trained in the detection of alcohol and drug impairment to provide on-the-spot assessments of drivers suspected of alcohol or drug impairment. All checkpoints are conducted in accordance with the guidelines for DUI checkpoint operations outlined in the California Supreme Court decision, Ingersoll v. Palmer.

All vehicles may be checked and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs will be arrested. Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and / or drugs – Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest. The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver. Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Tustin Police Dept. is conducting a DUI checkpoint on March 19

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The Tustin Police Department is conducting a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location on March 19, from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. They select the location based on the area’s history of DUI crashes and arrests.

DUI Checkpoints, also known as, Sobriety Checkpoints, are roadblocks, set up temporarily on public streets, to catch drunk drivers and to cite others for Vehicle Code violations. The police departments conducting these checkpoints must adhere to strict guidelines, which have been established by the Courts according to the Orange County DUI Lawyer Blog.

Drivers charged with a DUI face an average of over $13,500 in fines and penalties as well as having a suspended license.

A Costa Mesa DUI driver hit a pedestrian and a car and was arrested

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COSTA MESA, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2021) — The Costa Mesa Police Department has arrested a man suspected of DUI after striking a pedestrian and second vehicle earlier this morning. 

Today, Feb. 21, 2021, at approximately 2:07 a.m., officers responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic collision.  A driver in the first vehicle ran a red light going south on Newport Boulevard at 19th Street and struck a pedestrian at Harbor Blvd., then collided with a second car at Harbor Boulevard before rolling over. 

The pedestrian and the driver of the second vehicle were transported to a nearby hospital.

There are no fatalities in this incident. The driver, Herman Martinez, 22, Maywood, in the first vehicle did not suffer injuries and was subsequently arrested for DUI.

MAIT was called out and a Sig Alert was put out.

Presently, northbound Newport Boulevard is open. Southbound Newport Boulevard remains closed until approximately 10:00 a.m. 

The Tustin Police Department announced three recent DUI arrests

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Nationally, more than 10,000 people die each year as a result of drug or alcohol impaired driving. Stopping drunk drivers has been a priority at the Tustin Police Department.

Here are some of the recent Tustin DUI arrests:

  • Nicole Johnson
  • Shibany Kumar
  • Giovanny Rocha

The Tustin Police Department officers are highly trained in the detection and investigation of impaired driving cases.

Please report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911.

A suspected drunk driver crashed his SUV into a liquor store in Orange

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A suspected 71-year-old male drunk driver crashed his SUV into the Orange Tree Liquor store located at the corner of Glassell St. and Lincoln Ave. in Orange on Monday night, Jan. 18, according to the Orange Police Department.

The crash happened at 7:55 p.m. as the suspect, who had parked his SUV at the liquor store, suddenly accelerated his gray SUV into the building, shattering the glass doors and knocking them loose from their hinges.

An SUV slammed into the front of a liquor store in Orange on Monday evening, Jan. 18, and its driver was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of DUI – alcohol. The police did not reveal the suspect’s name but did note that he is a resident of Orange.

Fortunately no one was injured in the crash. The Orange Police are investigating the incident.

The SAPD will conduct a DUI checkpoint on Dec. 18 at an undisclosed location

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Santa Ana, California – Santa Ana Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, December 18, 2020, from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM at an undisclosed location within the Santa Ana city limits.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our top priority,” said Chief of Police David Valentin. “During this unprecedented time due to the pandemic, our Department personnel have continued to focus on proactively addressing impaired drivers.”

The Santa Ana Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medication or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Repeat DUI driver charged with murder for killing a Santa Ana couple

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SANTA ANA, Calif. – A 22-year-old woman has been charged with two counts of murder for crashing into a Santa Ana family’s car, killing a husband and wife while she was driving under the influence of alcohol. The couple’s three young daughters were seriously injured. Prosecutors are alleging her blood alcohol level was more than .20% at the time of the collision.

Grace Elizabeth Coleman, 22, of Newport Beach, was charged with two felony counts of murder, one felony count of driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury, one felony count of driving with a blood alcohol of .08% or more causing bodily injury, and one felony count of hit and run with injury. Coleman has also been charged with three felony enhancements of great bodily injury for causing injuries to all three of the couple’s daughters.

Coleman has also been charged with one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol and one misdemeanor count of driving with a blood alcohol of .08% or more in connection with an August 29, 2020 arrest in Laguna Beach.

Coleman faces a maximum sentence of 34 years and eight months to life in state prison if convicted on all charges.

Gabriela Andrade, 28, of Santa Ana, and her husband, Henry Saldana-Mejia, 27, of Santa Ana were driving with their three daughters, ages 1, 4, and 5, near the intersection of Pelican Hill Road and Newport Coast Drive on December 8, 2020. At approximately 7:46 p.m. Coleman is accused of running a red light and crashing into the family’s vehicle, killing both parents and seriously injuring their three daughters who were secured in car seats.

The couple was killed and their three daughters were seriously injured in the collision.

“Three young girls are orphans because of the selfish decision of a stranger,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Everyone knows how dangerous drinking and driving or using drugs and driving is, and that it is a crime. Yet over and over again people choose to get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs, and they are killing innocent people and destroying lives. This has to stop. Children should not have to grow up without their parents because someone decided to make the wrong decision and get behind the wheel while intoxicated. The current pandemic has resulted in increased alcohol and drug use. We as members of the community all have a responsibility and duty to stop people who have been drinking or using drugs from driving. Putting a stop to this carnage is a community responsibility.”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Walker of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

Now is a really bad time to use drugs or get drunk in Newport Beach

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We already posted about the Newport Beach Police plans to go after loud cars this month and the DUI checkpoint they are conducting on Dec. 11. Now they have announced that for the next two weeks they are going to be focusing on catching folks on drugs or alcohol. So if you are going to go party in Newport Beach you better be good! Here is their press release:

Press Release – Spread Holiday Cheer: Drive Sober This Holiday Season

The holidays will feel a bit different this year, but one thing that has not changed is choosing a sober way to go.

This holiday season, The Newport Beach Police Department encourages the community to make sure every holiday celebration ends with a sober driver.

Starting November 30th and through December 15th, The Newport Beach Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In addition, officers will be actively looking for other unsafe driving practices – speeding, not wearing a seat belt, driving distracted, not yielding to bicyclists or pedestrians – to make sure everyone has a safe holiday.

“2020 has been a tough year so let’s try and end it on a good note by being safe on the road during the holidays,” said Lieutenant Damon Psaros. “Taking simple safety measures helps make sure we can all enjoy the holidays.”

The Newport Beach Police Department reminds drivers that driving high does not fly. Marijuana, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications may impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs.

“There’s no joy in a DUI,” Sergeant Wolik said. “Sober is the way to go.”

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Newport Beach Police Dept. is conducting a DUI checkpoint on Dec. 11

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If you are planning on getting drunk in Newport Beach, on Dec. 11, watch out! The Newport Beach Police Department is conducting a DUI Checkpoint that night. Here is their official press release:

The Newport Beach Police department will be Holding a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, December 11th, 2020

The Newport Beach Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint December 11th,  from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the Newport Beach City limits. 
 
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.
 
During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
 
With the easing of stay-at-home restrictions and more bars and restaurants being allowed to open, the Newport Beach Police Department is committed to keeping the public safe.
 
“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Lieutenant, Damon Psaros said. “We are still out there in the middle of a pandemic because driving under the influence is still dangerous and puts a further strain on critical resources.”
 
The Newport Beach Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about “driving or operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
 
If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.
 
Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
 
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The SAPD will be conducting a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Wed., Nov. 25

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Santa Ana, California – Santa Ana Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM at an undisclosed location within the Santa Ana city limits.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our top priority,” said Chief of Police David Valentin. “During this unprecedented time due to the pandemic, our Department personnel have continued to focus on proactively addressing impaired drivers.”

The Santa Ana Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medication or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A woman was killed in a DUI crash with an SAPD vehicle

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On Friday, November 20th, 2020 at 11:20 PM, two Santa Ana Police Officers were sitting in their parked police unit in the area of Washington Ave. and Lowell St. A vehicle traveling east on Washington Ave. struck the parked police unit. Orange County Fire Authority personnel responded and began to treat the officers and occupants of the other vehicle. All involved parties were transported to an area hospital for medical treatment. The passenger of the second vehicle was pronounced deceased at the hospital by medical staff.

The preliminary investigation has revealed a Honda was travelling east on Washington Ave. at Lowell St. The police unit was parked on Washington Ave. facing west at Lowell St. As the Honda proceeded east on Washington Ave., it collided head on into the police unit.

The driver of the Honda, identified as Jesus Emmanuel Perez from Santa Ana, was arrested at the hospital for felony vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. He was booked at the Santa Ana Jail.

The Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigations Unit (CIU) is handling the investigation. Anyone possibly having information about this collision is asked to contact Inv. N. Guijarro at (714) 245-8284 or the Santa Ana Police Department’s Traffic Division at (714) 245-8200.

The Orange Police Dept. is conducting a DUI and Drivers’ License Checkpoint tonight

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The Orange Police Department is conducting a DUI and Driver’s license checkpoint tonight at 1800 W. Chapman.

Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a $288,500 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The grant will assist in the Orange Police Department’s efforts to reduce deaths and injuries on the City of Orange roads.

“These are trying times, and now more than ever, it is important that we are at the forefront of traffic safety,” Orange PD Sergeant Trevor Cullen said. “This funding allows us to educate and enhance the safety of all residents.”

The one-year grant is for the 2021 federal fiscal year, which runs from Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021.The grant will fund a variety of traffic safety programs, including:

  • Patrols with emphasis on alcohol and drug-impaired driving prevention.
  • Patrols with emphasis on awareness and education of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
  • Patrols with emphasis on education of traffic rights for bicyclists and pedestrians.
  • Patrols with emphasis on awareness and education of primary causes of crashes: excess speed, failure to yield, failure to stop at stop signs/signals, improper turning/lane changes.
  • Community education presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, DUI, speed, bicycle and pedestrian safety.
  • Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

“Through education and behavior changes, we hope to create an environment that is safe and equitable for all road users in our community,” said Sergeant Cullen.Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The O.C. Sheriff’s Department awarded a DUI testing and training grant

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SANTA ANA, Ca. (November 10, 2020): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department – OC Crime Lab has been awarded a $117,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for training and enhanced drug-impaired driving testing. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will use the funding to facilitate the efficient testing of all blood samples collected in DUI investigations for the presence of drugs, regardless of the blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

“With illicit drug use on the rise, coupled with the introduction of fentanyl onto our streets, this type of efficient testing is a necessary tool to keep Orange County roadways safe,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “This grant will assist Orange County law enforcement’s efforts to identify those individuals who drive while under the influence and hold them accountable for their actions.”

The prevalence of drug-impaired driving is increasing on our roadways. Based on case-derived data collected by the Orange County Crime Laboratory, more than 50% of drivers arrested for DUI in Orange County have at least one impairing drug in their system other than alcohol.

Illicit drugs and certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause impairment in an individual. These substances in combination with even a small amount of alcohol can cause a person to become unable to operate a motor vehicle safely.

“Drug-impaired driving is a significant problem in California,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Effective drug testing is needed to combat the rise in cases and assist in the prosecution of those who put lives at risk.”

While alcohol remains the worst offender for DUI crashes, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription medications and marijuana can also be impairing by themselves, or in combination with alcohol, and can result in a DUI arrest.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.