Accused drunken driver ordered to trial in Zerker Rd crash
Nov 18, 2024
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- A man who allegedly drove drunk in a crash in northwest Bakersfield that badly injured a woman has been ordered to stand trial on each of the five felony counts brought against him, according to court records.
A Kern County judge on Monday heard testimony at a preliminary hearing and determined there was enough evidence for the case against Jimmy Cesar Vasquez to proceed.
It's alleged Vasquez had a blood-alcohol content more than twice the legal limit.
Vasquez is due back in court Dec. 2, when it's expected a trial date will be set. He's charged with DUI-related offenses, driving on the wrong side of a divided highway and reckless driving.
On the morning of May 6, a black Ford Mustang collided with a white SUV on Zerker Road just north of Snow Road. The driver of the SUV was seriously injured, authorities said.
Vasquez, the Ford's driver, showed signs of impairment including slurred speech, smelling of alcohol and unsteadiness on his feet, Bakersfield police said.
Officer Miranda Black testified Vasquez at first denied using alcohol or drugs, but later said he "might have had a drink or two."
Vasquez also said, "I f----- up, huh?" Black said.
Officer Dominick Vance said he didn't ask Vasquez to perform field sobriety tests because he was receiving medical treatment at the scene before being taken to a hospital. But he believed Vasquez had been drinking.
"Once I started talking to him I observed the signs and symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol," he said.
Vasquez refused a preliminary alcohol screening test, Vance said. A warrant was obtained and his blood drawn.
Vasquez's blood tested at 0.19%, more than twice the legal driving limit of 0.08%, prosecutor Kacie Barrier said. Drugs were also in his system, she said.