A man faces multiple criminal charges for allegedly being drunk behind the wheel when he fatally struck a pedestrian Thursday night in Tempe, authorities reported Friday.
Thirty-one-year-old John Valenzuela was arrested after the fatal wreck, which was reported at about 9 p.m. Thursday, according to information released Friday by the Tempe Police Department. Police said he was under the influence of alcohol when he crashed into a 77-year-old woman who was attempting to cross a Tempe street.
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Records released by authorities Friday do not say whether Valenzuela has yet acquired representation from a drunk driving attorney.
Valenzuela at about 9 p.m. Thursday was driving on Mill Avenue at Southern Avenue when he crashed his vehicle into a woman who was walking across the street, according to police. The incident caused the death of the pedestrian, identified by authorities only as a 77-year-old woman
Few details about the wreck and the moments leading up to it were available Friday evening. Authorities did not say whether Valenzuela or anyone else suffered injuries as a result of the crash.
Law enforcement officials determined Valenzuela was intoxicated when he struck the woman with his vehicle. He was arrested on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and manslaughter, according to authorities.
The Tempe Police Department continues to investigate the incident. If Valenzuela has not already done so, he will need to obtain representation from a drunk driving attorney as the court case progresses.
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