A Moreno Valley man suspected of slamming into a utility pole while drunk at the wheel and seriously injuring a 6-year-old relative riding with him was being held Friday in lieu of $90,000 bail.
Salvador Joseph Barnes, 44, was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside on suspicion of driving under the influence, DUI resulting in injuries and child endangerment resulting in great bodily injury.
According to Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. Joe Narisco, the crash happened shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Heacock Street and Ironwood Avenue. He said Barnes lost control of his vehicle, which veered off the road and plowed into a light standard.
Deputies sent to the scene determined that he was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, Narisco said.
The child, whose name was not disclosed, was taken to Riverside University Medical Center and was listed in critical condition, according to the sergeant.
Barnes was taken to the same hospital for treatment of minor injuries, then taken to jail, he said.