DUI driver was three times the legal limit, going 100 mph during August crash: PD

(KRON) — A Newark man had a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit and was driving faster than 100 mph when he crashed his car into an SUV and a home on the 5000 block of Lafayette Avenue in Newark on August 31, injuring himself and three others, according to the Newark Police Department.

The suspect, 31-year-old Raul Quintana was seriously injured in the crash, which happened at approximately 10:35 p.m. at the intersection of Cedar Boulevard and Lafayette Avenue. He was arrested on Nov. 5 after an extensive recovery in the hospital. Quintana was booked into the Santa Rita Jail and faces four counts of felony DUI causing injury.

“From the beginning of the investigation, driving under the influence was suspected to be a factor in the collision,” Newark PD said. “Three occupants of the SUV sustained serious injuries, and a resident who was sitting in the family room of their home was also injured. The injured individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment and are continuing to recover from their injuries.”

Newark Police Chief Jonathan Arguello called the crash “completely preventable.”

“One person’s decision to drive under the influence nearly cost multiple lives,” Arguello said. “Impaired driving is never just a personal risk, it endangers everyone on the road.”