A 39-year-old motorist allegedly plowed through a red light at a Murrieta intersection while drunk and slammed into a car, killing its driver, authorities said Friday.
Jaime Ruiz Jr. of Murrieta was arrested and booked Thursday into the Byrd Detention Center on suspicion of DUI gross vehicular manslaughter, DUI resulting in injuries and child endangerment. Ruiz posted a $75,000 bond and was released from the Murrieta jail Friday morning.
According to the Murrieta Police Department, shortly before 5 p.m. Thursday, the suspect was driving his pickup truck westbound on California Oaks Road when he ran a red light and plowed into a sedan going through the intersection on a green signal.
Both vehicles spun to a stop in the intersection. Ruiz, who had one of his children with him in the pickup, did not attempt to flee.
Murrieta Fire & Rescue personnel reached the location minutes later and found the woman at the wheel of the car gravely injured, Lt. Miguel Garcia said.
The victim, whose identity was not immediately released, was extricated from the wreckage and taken to a regional trauma center, where she died a short time later, Garcia said.
He said Ruiz, who was not hurt, “exhibited signs and symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol.”
The suspect was taken into custody without incident.
The child with him also was not hurt and was apparently placed in protective custody.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the police Traffic Bureau at 951-461-6899.