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.
