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1300+A Pomona Police Department sergeant has been arrested after an alleged drunk driving crash in Chino that left several people injured. Chino police say the collision happened on July 26 at about 8:20 p.m. near Schaefer Avenue and Monte Vista Avenue in San Bernardino County.
Investigators say 50-year-old Richard Aguiar was driving a Chevrolet Silverado when he rear-ended a vehicle stopped at the intersection. Police say he then left the scene at a high rate of speed.
How the Crash Unfolded
According to Chino police, Aguiar continued south on Monte Vista Avenue and sideswiped a Ford Fusion. The impact sent the Fusion into a tree.
Police say his truck then hit a fire hydrant and other objects before striking a tree. Officers found Aguiar unconscious inside the Silverado. He was taken to a local hospital with significant injuries.
The occupants of the other vehicles were also hurt but declined transport to the hospital.
Alcohol Suspected as a Factor
Chino Police Department traffic investigators took over the case because of the seriousness of the collision. They said alcohol may have contributed to the crash.
The driver of the Ford Fusion has been in constant pain since the crash. She also said it took months to obtain the incident report. According to her, the report listed Aguiar’s blood alcohol level at .299%, which is nearly four times the legal limit of .08% for most drivers in California.
Possible Charges and Department Response
Chino police sent the case to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office for review. Aguiar could face charges of hit-and-run with injury and DUI with injury.
Pomona police confirmed that Aguiar is a sergeant with the department. They said he was off duty at the time of the crash and has not returned to work since. The department described the matter as a personal matter under investigation by its Internal Affairs Bureau. It said it does not comment on personnel matters involving city employees.
No charges had been filed as of the latest reports, and Aguiar is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
What Injured Victims Can Do After a Suspected DUI Crash
A drunk driving crash can leave victims with medical bills, lost income, and lasting pain. Insurance companies often move quickly to limit what they pay. A few steps can protect your car accident claim:
- Get medical care right away, even if injuries seem minor
- Request a copy of the police or incident report
- Photograph vehicle damage, the scene, and visible injuries
- Avoid giving recorded statements to an insurer before speaking with an attorney
- Keep records of treatment, missed work, and out-of-pocket costs
Understanding Your Rights in California
A criminal case against a driver is separate from a civil claim for the victim’s losses. Injured people in California generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, so waiting can put a claim at risk.
Victims of hit-and-run and DUI collisions may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Which options apply depends on the facts of the case and the insurance coverage involved.
If You Were Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident, We Can Help
If you or a loved one was hurt by a drunk or hit-and-run driver in the Inland Empire, Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer can review what happened and explain your options.
The experienced car accident attorneys from our California offices, including Corona and Victorville, serve crash victims across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.