Law Enforcement Not Immune to California DUI: Off-Duty Sheriff's Sargent Crashes into His Own Cruiser

As reported by the Merced Sun Star, a Merced County sheriff's sergeant was arrested early Sunday on suspicion of driving under the influence when he crashed his personal vehicle into his patrol car outside his Le Grand home.

California Highway Patrol responded to the DUI accident after a witness reported seeing a gray GMC Yukon crash into a parked Merced County patrol car. The witness also reported that the driver of the Yukon walked into a residence after the crash.

Upon arriving at the scene, the officers observed that the bumpers of the two vehicles were touching but did not notice any damage. The right rear tire of the GMC was on top of the north curb edge of the street, with the other three wheels on the roadway.

Officers subsequently spoke with Sgt. James Pacheco, 43, at his residence and, after an investigation, determined that he was the driver of the GMC and had been operating the vehicle under influence of alcohol. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor California DUI.

California drivers are reminded that the best way to avoid a California DUI is to designate a driver or call a taxi. However, if you find yourself arrest for driving under the influence, it is imperative to contact an experienced California DUI attorney.