Saugus, CA (November 9, 2023) Orlando Gomez Sales, 39, was killed on November 1st in a collision in Saugus. 20-year-old Raul Rosales Ramirez was arrested for DUI following the accident. Officer said they found an open container of alcohol in the driver’s lap and a second one in the center console. The fatal crash happened at approximately 3:46 a.m. at the intersection of Sutters Pointe Drive and Bouquet Canyon Road, not far from the strip mall.
Sirens blared through the streets as emergency crews hurried to the scene of this fatal collision. Upon arrival, they found Ramirez trapped inside his vehicle and also, sadly, found Sales unresponsive. Orlando Gomez Sales was pronounced dead at the scene. Fire fighters spent the next 20 minutes trying to get Ramirez out of his vehicle, which had sustained major damage, as well as removing Sales’ body from his totaled vehicle.
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Geovanni Sanchez of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, said Ramirez was loaded into an ambulance and transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital shortly after 4:00 a.m. on November 1st. Due to his medical condition at the time, officers were unable to receive his consent to a sobriety test. Because of this, detectives requested that Ramirez’s blood be drawn to check his blood-alcohol level. A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge signed the request for the blood draw at approximately 5:11 a.m.
Ramirez, at age 20, was under the legal drinking limit and did, in fact, have alcohol in his blood. According to authorities, any amount of alcohol in the blood is illegal for anyone under the age of 21. The SCV Seriff’s Station reported that Ramirez was also driving without a license and was also on probation for a previous DUI conviction.
Ramirez faces numerous charges, including a murder charge for the death of Orlando Gomez Sales.
Liability In Saugus DUI Car Accidents
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, “(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.” Even small amounts of alcohol can substantially impair drivers in the following ways:
- Delayed reaction times
- Loss of muscle control
- Impaired judgment
- Lowered alertness
The family of any victim that has been injured or killed in a collision with a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury or wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Saugus DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Orlando Gomez Sales. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an accident that took place in Saugus? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.
