Hit and Run - Killer of Serviceman’s Family Finally Arraigned
Posted on July 8, 2009
Filed Under Hit & Run, L.A. Criminal Defense Attorney, News, Vehicular Manslaughter, criminal defense attorney |
Nearly a year ago a serviceman, his wife and their young son were tragically killed in a hit and run accident in Riverside County, California, east of Los Angeles. Witnesses told police a speeding truck weaving in and out of traffic lost control on a curve and plowed headfirst into the Chevy Malibu driven by Navy Corpsman Andres Cruz Sanagustin who was stationed at Camp Pendleton. The crash killed Sanagustin, his wife and their 4-year-old son. The driver of the truck, Chad Huber, left the scene of the accident, reported his truck stolen and fled to Mexico. Police investigators later found that Huber had been drinking in a local bar just before the accident.
After hunting Huber for five months, police finally caught him late last year when a sheriff’s deputy discovered him driving a stolen car in Rancho Cucamonga. Police gave chase, and Huber was captured after crashing his car and fleeing into a nearby home. Huber was caught with the aid of a police dog, arrested and charged with hit and run and murder. Huber has been in custody in the San Bernardino County jail awaiting arraignment scheduled for today at the Southwest Justice Center.
“Leaving the scene of an accident prior to producing the necessary driver documentation is considered hit and run and may carry criminal charges,” explains expert Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriguez. The driver documentation you are required to provide includes:
- Name
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle identification number
- Insurance carrier’s name and address
- Insurance policy number
California law requires drivers to stop and provide documentation whether an accident involves a moving vehicle, pedestrian, parked car or someone’s property. “If you drive away, even if the accident wasn’t your fault, you can be charged with the crime of hit and run,” Rodriguez warns. It is the driver’s responsibility to locate the owner of an unoccupied vehicle or property damaged in an accident. When the owner cannot be located, the driver is required to leave a visible note containing his contact information and facts surrounding the accident and file an immediate police report.
When accidents cause injury or death, driver’s bear additional responsibilities. In injury accidents, the driver must render reasonable aid to the injured person in addition to providing required documentation. If death, referred to as vehicular manslaughter, occurs, the accident must be immediately reported to the police or California Highway Patrol. In serious accidents that involve injury, death or extensive property damage, drivers can be charged with a felony and may face harsh, life-altering penalties.
-LegalPro
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