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

Escalation in Sydney’s Underworld: Police Probe Trio of Incidents Within Days

Sydney’s underworld war is out of the shadows with a home sprayed…

Investigators Focus on Unraveling Mysteries at Jeffrey Epstein’s Secluded Desert Ranch

State legislators in New Mexico launched an investigation today into past activity…

Chaos in Sydney’s Far West: Gunfire Erupts and Car Blaze Sparks Police Investigation

An active police investigation has been launched following shots fired at a…

Alabama Mother Faces Charges for Filing False Report in Toddler’s Disappearance Case

In Alabama, authorities have taken a significant step in the case of…

Fulton County Challenges FBI’s Legal Grounds for 2020 Election Ballots Seizure from Warehouse

Left: Donald Trump exits his vehicle to walk over to speak with…

Notorious Offender Admits Guilt: Federal Firearm Possession Charges in Latest Legal Battle

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Tyrese Da’Jon Jones, a 26-year-old, has admitted…

Shocking Court Revelations: Man Assaults Ex-Girlfriend Inside F-150, Threatening Her Life

Inset: Jack Waldrop (Kennewick Police Department). Background: The area near the Kennewick…

Shocking Family Vacation Incident: 12-Year-Old Endures ‘Death Camp’ Ordeal as Sibling’s Cruelty Unfolds

Background: News footage of Tyler Peterson in court during his sentencing on…

Heartbreaking Abandonment: Newborn Left to Die in Grocery Bag Sparks Outrage and Awareness

Inset: Pamela Ferreyra (Monterey County District Attorney’s Office). Background: The area where…

Tragic Incident: Mother Charged with Manslaughter Following Fatal Accident Involving Her Young Children

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Christina Shantell Gordan, a 29-year-old woman, faces…

Intoxicated Pediatric Dentist Puts Young Patient at Risk During Surgery, Police Report

Inset: Kelly Buck (Grayson County Sheriff”s Office). Background: A medical strip mall…

Unmatched DNA on Guthrie Glove: Investigators Stumped as Database Yields No Leads

Investigators have discovered DNA on a pair of gloves found approximately 1.5…