Upland, CA – A DUI suspect was arrested early on August 13th after slamming her vehicle into a tree in Upland and attempting to flee the scene.
At around 2 a.m., police responded to a crash on a residential street where the woman was reportedly speeding with two passengers inside her Toyota RAV4 SUV.
Failed Turn and Crash
Surveillance video captured the woman failing to make a turn and crashing into a large tree in front of a home. The force of the impact caused heavy damage to the vehicle, which nearly flipped over.
The collision was significant enough that the vehicle’s momentum was stopped by the tree, potentially preventing a much worse outcome. The homeowner later told police that if the tree hadn’t halted the vehicle, it might have crashed into a bedroom located at the front of the house.
Suspect Attempts to Flee
After the crash, the woman ditched her car and tried to run away. She fled to her residence just a block away from the scene, where officers later found her.
Despite her injuries and the fact that police had recovered her purse and ID card from inside the wrecked vehicle, the woman denied being involved in the crash as per KTLA.
Felony Charges Filed
She was arrested for felony DUI causing injury and felony hit-and-run. The identities of the suspect and her passengers were not released by police.
Both passengers suffered lacerations and reported pain but did not sustain serious injuries.
Dangers of DUI and Hit-and-Run
Driving under the influence is one of the leading causes of road accidents, especially when combined with speeding. In this case, the woman’s actions put both her passengers and the residents of the home in immediate danger.
Hit-and-run offenses also exacerbate the risks, as fleeing the scene prevents authorities from immediately assessing the situation and providing the necessary medical assistance to those involved.
What should be the legal consequences for DUI suspects who attempt to flee the scene of an accident? Share your thoughts in the comments.
