Driver arrested for deadly multi-car crash had prior DUI convictions, documents say

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Officials have identified the driver who was arrested in connection to an alleged DUI crash that killed a man over the weekend. The suspect has previously been convicted for driving under the influence, according to arrest documents.

Colby William Bia, 24, was arrested on nine different charges, including automobile homicide, a second-degree felony; possessing an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, a class C misdemeanor; and driving on a suspended license, a class B misdemeanor, among others.

According to arrest documents, Bia had warrants out for his arrest for previous DUI offenses and has had “multiple convictions for DUI in the past 10 years.” Bia’s license was suspended, and he was classified as an alcohol restricted driver.

At about 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, police responded to the intersection of 900 West and 200 South in Salt Lake after receiving several calls about a crash. When first responders arrived at the scene, they discovered that three vehicles were involved in the incident.

“Based on the preliminary investigation, officers believe Bia ran a red light and crashed into another car,” the Salt Lake City Police Department said in a Monday press release.

The car that Bia reportedly crashed into was driven by Ernesto Puga, 42, who was declared dead at the scene. Puga’s “juvenile passenger” was taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Two other people were treated at the scene.

At the scene, police reportedly saw “several open containers of alcohol in Bia’s car,” and Bia had “exhibited signs of being impaired.” Police obtained a warrant to conduct a blood sample from Bia after he was accused of resisting officers’ attempts to draw his blood.

According to arrest documents, Bia allegedly said he drank alcohol at work before driving. Bia was arrested on the following charges:

• Automobile homicide — second-degree felony
• Negligently operating a vehicle while causing injury, with two prior DUI convictions — third-degree felony
• Obstruction of justice — third-degree felony
• Interfering with a peace officer — class B misdemeanor
• Possession of an open container of alcohol — class C misdemeanor
• Failure to obey a traffic control signal — an infraction
• Driving on a suspended license — a class B misdemeanor
• Alcohol restricted driver violation — a class B misdemeanor
• Assault by prisoner — a third-degree felony

Bia was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on the aforementioned charges.