Felony charges are expected to be filed Wednesday against a man suspected of killing a 39-year-old pedestrian in a driving under the influence collision at a Temecula intersection.
Jonathan Ruiz, 38, of Bellflower was arrested and booked into the Byrd Detention Center Friday night on suspicion of second-degree murder and DUI resulting in great bodily injury. Ruiz is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.
His case was under review Tuesday by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
According to sheriff’s Sgt. Joseph Sinz, shortly before 7 p.m. Friday, Ruiz allegedly erratically drove through the intersection of Rancho California Road and Riesling Court, triggering a three-vehicle wreck that caused major damage to all of the vehicles involved.
David Heard of Murrieta was walking within the intersection at the time and was hit, according to the sergeant.
No other details were provided.
Sinz said patrol deputies and paramedics reached the location a short time later and pronounced Heard dead at the scene.
“Two passengers from one of the vehicles were transported to a hospital in stable condition,” the sheriff’s spokesman said.
They were recovering Tuesday.
Sinz alleged Ruiz, who didn’t attempt to flee and escaped injury, was confirmed by deputies to be under the influence and was taken into custody without incident.
Background information on the suspect was unavailable.
When investigators seek a DUI murder charge, it’s generally because the suspect has a prior conviction for intoxicated driving and should have been aware of the risks involved with repeating the behavior.