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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 Washington state, prosecutors have successfully secured a substantial bail for a teenage driver with a troubling history of DUI offenses.
Pedro Ruiz, an 18-year-old, was taken into custody following a fatal car accident in Pasco, Washington, which resulted in the death of 57-year-old Maria Mendoza. During a court session on Monday, Franklin County Deputy Prosecutor Erek Puccio revealed that Ruiz faced suspicion for a third DUI offense within just 45 days. Remarkably, he had resolved a DUI charge the day prior to the crash and still had another pending case in Franklin County. At the time of the tragic incident, Ruiz was operating a vehicle with a suspended license.
In response to these circumstances, Franklin County Superior Court Judge Bronson Brown imposed a bail amount of $1 million.
As reported by local CBS affiliate KEPR, the Washington State Patrol indicated that Ruiz was traveling westward on an interstate around 7:45 p.m. in an attempt to flee from authorities. He lost control, breached a cable barrier, and collided with Mendoza’s eastbound vehicle.
According to the Tri-City Herald, a witness notified the police about a man, later identified as Ruiz, who was driving recklessly. This occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Friday, when the witness observed Ruiz at a Circle K gas station, where he urinated on a fuel pump before re-entering his truck.
Police caught up to Ruiz”s vehicle and made several attempts to stop him as he pulled onto the interstate. Troopers said that Ruiz was driving erratically before the crash and they attempted to pull him over again. Instead of stopping, Ruiz allegedly led the troopers on a chase that ended with the fatal crash.
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.