April 24, 2013

A Camarillo man accused of a drunk driving hit-and-run accident that caused two injuries is in police custody after eluding authorities for over a week.

The 36-year-old man allegedly crossed into oncoming traffic on Arroyo Drive near Moorpark, struck a semi truck and then careened into an automobile that was traveling behind the truck. He fled on foot after his car rolled onto the shoulder of Arroyo Drive, spurring a massive manhunt that lasted for hours.

A mother and a daughter sustained moderate injuries in the crash.

Somehow, he eluded police for more than a week, until deputies received information that he was in a house in the 300 block of Camarillo Drive. Deputies report that the accused was holed up in the house's attic and refused to come out, but surrendered after a K-9 officer was sent in to retrieve him.

He was treated for dog bites and then booked into Ventura County Jail, where he was charged with possession of a controlled substance and leaving the scene of an accident. He was also driving with a suspended license at the time of the accident.

His bail has been set at $90,000.

Since there were injuries involved in this hit-and-run accident, the accused will most likely be charged with felony hit-and-run, which is covered under California Vehicle Code 20001 VC. Things start getting more complicated if a defendant is also charged with DUI (California Vehicle Code 231(a) VC) and driving with a suspended license (California Vehicle Code 12500 VC). If convicted of the felony hit-and-run, the accused could face up to four years in state prison. Of course, time and fines can also be tacked on for a DUI and driving with a suspended license conviction.

Hit-and-run accidents — especially those involving injuries — can mean serious jail time and serious fines. When other charges are tacked on, which is often the case, defendants can find themselves in deep legal trouble very quickly. That is why it is so important to contact The Law Offices of Daniel E. Kann in Ventura if you have been accused of a crime. We are dedicated to defending your legal rights and to seeing that you get the best outcome possible in your case.

Call our office in Ventura at (888) 744-7730 or contact us online for a consultation and review of your legal options.