The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of a pedestrian hit by a drunk driver on Friday, February 21.
71-year-old David Pinedo was identified as the pedestrian hit by a drunk driver in Sanger.
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Reports indicate that Pinedo was crossing the street at Academy and Eighth on Friday night close to 9:30 p.m.
The driver of an SUV hit the man while he was on the road.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office has identified 44-year-old Vivian Lugo as the driver of the SUV. She immediately pulled over after the accident occurred.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they tested Lugo. The determination was made that Lugo was driving under the influence.
The most commonly used tests by law enforcement are breathalyzer tests or chemical tests. The reports released did not indicate which test Lugo was administered. They did not release the results either. She had to be above the legal limit to have been arrested for a DUI.
Paramedics transported Pinedo to Community Regional Medical Center. Hospital staff worked diligently on the man, but he was pronounced dead. He suffered extensive injuries due to the accident.
The most common injuries that are sustained when a pedestrian is hit by an automobile are broken bones, blunt force trauma, and brain injury.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Lugo at the scene of the accident. She has been charged with a DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
The state of California takes vehicular manslaughter charges seriously, especially when the driver is under the influence. This offense is always charged as a felony. A guaranteed prison term of 4, 6, or 10 years accompanies a conviction.
It is unknown at this time if Lugo has acquired legal counsel for the charges. She is still currently in jail awaiting her preliminary court hearing in front of a judge.