Teen's 3rd DUI in 45 days kills 57-year-old woman: Prosecutors
Share this @internewscast.com

Background: News footage of the crash in Pasco, Wash., on Feb. 6, that killed Maria Mendoza (KEPR). Pedro Ruiz during his court appearance on Feb. 9 (KEPR).

In a significant legal development, prosecutors in Washington state have secured a substantial bail amount for a teenager facing multiple DUI charges.

Pedro Ruiz, 18, was taken into custody following a tragic car accident in Pasco, Washington, which resulted in the death of 57-year-old Maria Mendoza. During Ruiz’s initial court appearance on Monday, Franklin County Deputy Prosecutor Erek Puccio highlighted that this was Ruiz’s third suspected DUI offense in just 45 days. Notably, Ruiz had resolved a DUI charge only a day before the fatal collision and was already contending with another open DUI case in Franklin County. At the time of the accident, Ruiz was operating a vehicle with a suspended license.

Franklin County Superior Court Judge Bronson Brown has set bail at an unprecedented $1 million.

According to a report by CBS affiliate KEPR, the Washington State Patrol stated that Ruiz was fleeing police on an interstate at approximately 7:45 p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle. This resulted in him crossing a cable barrier and entering the eastbound lanes, where he collided with Mendoza’s vehicle.

The Tri-City Herald shared insights from a witness who tipped off law enforcement about a man, later confirmed to be Ruiz, driving erratically. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Friday at a Circle K gas station, where the witness observed Ruiz behaving inappropriately, including urinating on a fuel pump before resuming his drive.

Authorities managed to locate Ruiz and made several attempts to intercept him on the interstate. Despite their efforts, Ruiz allegedly continued to drive erratically and initiated a police chase, culminating in the fatal accident.

Mendoza was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ruiz was treated for minor injuries at the scene before he was taken into custody. Troopers reportedly found several alcohol containers in Ruiz’s vehicle after the crash and noted that his eyes were watery and bloodshot, and that his breath smelled of alcohol.

Ruiz was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide and attempting to elude police. His arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 12.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Newberry Man Faces Additional Charge After Detective Links March-Seized Pistol to Stolen Gun Report

By Staff NEWBERRY, Fla. – A 23-year-old man, Kobe Deon Delima, faces…

Teens Arrested Following Machete Incident on Melbourne’s Popular Dining Strip

Three teenagers have been charged over an alleged machete attack that unfolded…

Police Investigate Incident Involving Teacher and Nonverbal 9-Year-Old Student

Background: Selmer Elementary School in Selmer, Tennessee (Google Maps). Inset: Meg Day…

Brave Teen Intervenes to Protect Family: Mother and Daughter Stabbed in Shocking Incident, Police Report

Background: The Thunder Over Louisville show on April 18, 2026 (WLKY/YouTube). Inset…

Shocking Verdict: Son Receives Sentence for Gruesome Matricide During Home Invasion

Inset: John Aylor. Background: Body cam footage from Aylor”s arrest after he…

Supreme Court Justices Thomas and Alito Clash in Uncommon Opinion Exchange

U.S. Associate Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito, Jr., Clarence Thomas and Brett…

Double Murder Suspect Shouts for Mother During Court Appearance

Courtroom footage of Reginald Louis Jackson yelling at the judge during his…

Man Released on Bail Following Violent Incident that Hospitalized Police Officer

A 21-year-old man convicted of a brutal assault on a police officer…

Victorian Father Allegedly Threatens Airport Explosion, Causes Uproar in Courtroom

A Victorian father accused of threatening to blow up Perth Airport could…

Child Discovered on Roadway as Babysitter’s Troubling History Surfaces, Says District Attorney

Inset: Arissa Ward (Dauphin County Prison). Background: The Pennsylvania street where a…

Homeless Man Arrested for Assault with Stolen Guitar in Unexpected Downtown Incident

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities apprehended Charles Michael Treadway, 65, yesterday…

Authorities Issue Warnings Against Four ‘Finfluencers’ on TikTok for Financial Advice

Australia’s financial regulatory body is intensifying its scrutiny of social media “finfluencers”…