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Drinking thirty beers during the course of an evening would cause many of us to become quite ill, to pass out, or at least to become incapable of walking, let alone driving a car. But police say that 25-year old Guadalupe Castaneda did a lot more than sleep it off or stumble around after he spent the night boozing it up in a Phoenix night spot about a week ago.
According to one report we read, Castaneda was in the area of 16th Avenue and Camelback road at 2:30 a.m., after having consumed about 30 beers during a period of several hours at a nearby bar. After leaving the tavern, he spotted a Dodge Charger that had been left idling by its owner, who had exited the vehicle to make a purchase at a taco stand. Police say Castaneda hopped into the car, and drove off. In the process, they claim he first side-swiped a patron at the taco stand, then hit two women, one of whom was four months pregnant. At this point, the driver, who later told police he thought he had hit a garbage can, smashed into a parked car, injuring one of the occupants. Eventually, Castaneda was pulled over by police. The pregnant woman was the most seriously injured, having suffered broken arms, broken legs, and broken ribs. The fetus is reportedly in stable condition.
The list of charges that Castaneda now faces is impressive, and includes the following:
- Aggravated DUI;
- Driving on a suspended license;
- Assault;
- Endangerment;
- Theft; and
- Unlawful flight from law enforcement.
The aggravated driving under the influence charge is apparently based upon the fact that his license had been suspended. Under A.R.S. 28-1383A.1, this supports an aggravated DUI charge, which is also a felony; when added to the theft charge, the endangerment charge (likely a class 6 felony in this case), and the others, the result is that Castaneda will be facing some serious time if convicted. One additional thought. We wouldn’t be surprised if additional charges were filed in the case. For example, under A.R.S. 28-661, failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in serious physical injury is also a felony.
We’ll have to wait to see the final list of charges, and the end result in the case.
Law Offices of David A. Black
40 North Central Avenue #1850
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 280-8028
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