Hollister – A Hollister woman was arrested after what police believe was an alcohol-related accident Thursday night on Highway 156 in which a motorcyclist was killed and a second driver was injured.
Dolores Ortiz Garcia, 38, was booked Friday morning into the San Benito County Jail and charged with felony driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter in the death of Richard Flores, 53, of Lompoc. She remains in custody in lieu of $115,680 bond, according to jail personnel.
Garcia was taken to Hazel Hawkins Hospital with cuts to her nose and face and complaining of back pain. There she submitted to a blood alcohol test, and results are pending. But California Highway Patrol Officer Chris Gallegos said officers believe they had enough evidence for the preliminary charge.
“The officer determined she was under the influence,” Gallegos said.
The accident occurred about 9:30pm, just west of Union Road.
Flores was riding westbound on his 2004 Harley-Davidson at an unknown rate of speed near Union Road when Garcia allowed her eastbound 1993 Toyota Corolla to drift into oncoming traffic, colliding with the motorcycle head-on, according to Gallegos.
The collision ejected Flores from his motorcycle, severing a leg. He was pronounced dead at the scene, Gallegos said.
After hitting Flores, Garcia continued driving and hit Salinas resident Miguel Arias Lopez, 27, who was driving a 2003 Nissan Altima behind Flores, Gallegos said.
Lopez, who police determined had been traveling about 50mph, tried to avoid Garcia by swerving to the right, but was unable to do so and collided with the right front portion of Garcia’s car, Gallegos said.
Lopez complained of pain to his foot and back and was taken to Hazel Hawkins.
Further investigation is pending.
