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CA Hit & Run Suspect Accused of “Hit and Swim”

July 20, 2009

A Costa Mesa man had an eventful day earlier this week when he supposedly clipped a pedestrian while in his vehicle and fled the scene by swimming away.

According to this article at CrimeVoice.com, 32 year old James Peterson was spotted struggling in the water about 400 yards out to sea near the 28th street jetty. Newport Beach lifeguards were called in who pulled Peterson onto their boat and ashore where he was transported to Hoag Presbyterian.

A Newport Beach Police helicopter was about to call off the search for a hit and run suspect when they noticed Peterson struggling in the water, dipping below the surface multiple times. Once Peterson was rescued it was determined he was the suspect they were looking for.

The hit & run involved a white Monte Carlo which clipped a pedestrian on 30th street and drove off. Peterson’s Monte Carlo was found abandoned at 29th street and West Oceanfront Boardwalk, where it is assumed Peterson entered the water.

Peterson, now out of the hospital, faces potential Felony DUI with Injury charges for his role in the accident.

DUI charges can get very serious depending on several factors. The accident obviously made this a felony DUI case. However, if you are charged with DUI multiple times, your subsequent charges will be elevated as well.

Even for a first time DUI, you will be sentenced to a minimum 48 hours in jail. Being charged with a third or fourth DUI is much more detrimental.

If you are facing DUI or hit & run charges, contact me to discuss your case. I want to help you and believe that together we can achieve the best possible results in court.

Filed Under: criminal law

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