Wrong-Way Driver Pleads to DUI Charges
By TERRY VAU DELL/MediaNews Group
Article Launched: 04/19/2007 12:00:00 AM PDT
A wrong-way driver on Highway 70 near Oroville, who collided late last year with two oncoming vehicles, injuring six people, has admitted in court to felony drunken driving charges.
Richard Delbert Davis, 55, of Oroville, could face up to nine years in prison.
According to California Highway Patrol reports, Davis' Toyota pickup turned from Highway 149 south onto Highway 70's northbound lanes about 8 p.m. Dec. 9.
He continued down the on-coming traffic lanes until he struck two vehicles at freeway speed.
Angela Daugherty, 23, of Roseville, suffered serious pelvic and back injuries, which has left her with a pronounced limp for the rest of her life, said deputy district attorney Chris Carlos.
Three other victims, identified in court records as Dylan Montre, 26, of Rough and Ready, Seth Evans, 27, of Sacramento and Timothy Nightingale, 26, of Grass Valley, sustained significant to serious injuries. Two others received minor injuries in the head-on crash.
Davis was free awaiting a preliminary hearing in Butte County Superior Court on Tuesday when he pleaded no contest to a felony charge of drunken driving and admitted a great bodily injury enhancement.
Police reports showed that he had a 0.18 blood-alcohol level — more than twice the legal limit — at the time of the crash.
Judge Steven Howell remanded Davis into custody pending sentencing on May 15.
Carlos pointed out to the judge that Davis was on probation for domestic violence at the time of the highway collision, and feared that with a prison term now likely, he wouldn't show up for his sentencing.
Davis' attorney, Leo Battle, replied that his client "knows he's going to prison," yet has made all his prior court appearances.
In asking that Davis be allowed to remain free, his lawyer said the Oroville man is very sorry, is currently not driving, has enrolled in Alcoholics Anonymous classes and is attempting to get into a residential alcohol treatment program.
Article courtesy of http://www.orovillemr.com/
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