Clearlake >> After a two-vehicle collision Saturday afternoon, witnesses chased and caught a suspected drunken driver after he allegedly tried to flee the scene.
Just before 1:30 p.m. a Dodge Ram 2500 smashed into a Nissan Altima at 19th Avenue near Boyles Avenue. The impact left the car blocking the roadway, while the truck came to rest in the front yard of a home at the intersection, Sgt. Rodd Joseph said in a press statement. CPD officers responded to reports of the crash, as well Lakeshore Fire Protection District personnel who treated the adult female driver in the Altima.
Several witnesses identified Joseph Pimentel, 25, as the driver of the Dodge truck, according to Joseph. The Nice resident was on scene; however, he initially denied being a driver.
Witnesses claimed that after the collision, Pimentel fled from the Dodge truck on foot. Several pursued him and he was captured. As the citizens were attempting to restrain him, a brief struggle allegedly occurred during which Pimentel sustained several facial injuries.
Pimentel was escorted back to the scene of the collision where he spoke with officers.
According to reports, Pimentel was exhibiting symptoms of intoxication and was ultimately arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol.
The other driver suffered internal injuries and a broken arm. She was transported by ambulance to St. Helena Hospital, Clear Lake for medical treatment and has since been released.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene.
After Pimentel’s arrest, he was transported to St. Helena Hospital, Clear Lake by police for medical clearance, Joseph said. While at the hospital, officers collected evidence from Pimentel showing his blood alcohol content to be above .08 percent, the legal limit. After obtaining medical clearance, Pimentel was booked into the Lake County jail facing a felony count of DUI of alcohol causing great bodily injury, a felony count of DUI of alcohol above a .08 percent blood alcohol content causing great bodily injury and a misdemeanor count of driving without a license.
Anyone with information on this collision is asked to contact CPD officer Mark Harden. He can be reached at (707) 994-8251 ext 503.
