Police: Four-time DUI offender injures pregnant woman in accident, flees scene

Police arrested a San Jose man on New Year’s Day after he allegedly fled from the scene of a crash in which a pregnant woman was injured, authorities said. 

About 2:50 p.m. Wednesday, Esteban Sanchez, 23 of San Jose, crashed his Mazda 3 into a vehicle on East Dunne Avenue, injuring the pregnant driver, according to a press release from Morgan Hill Police. 

Sanchez fled the scene, and soon after lost control of the Mazda and collided into a fire hydrant and traffic signal box on Butterfield Boulevard at Barrett Avenue, police said. After the collision, Sanchez exited the vehicle and led officers on a foot pursuit into an industrial area near Caputo Drive.

Sanchez was taken into custody and booked at Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of felony hit and run, driving under the influence, resisting arrest, driving on a suspended license and violation of probation, police said. Police later learned that Sanchez has been arrested four prior times on suspicion of driving under the influence. 

Anyone with information about this case can contact Morgan Hill Police at (408) 779-2101 or the anonymous tip line at (408) 947-7867.