Patricia Garner, 88, Killed in Murrieta Crash at California Oaks Road, Skyview Ridge
Suspected DUI Crash in Murrieta Kills Woman, Driver Arrested
MURRIETA — Patricia Garner, 88, of Murrieta, died following a Murrieta crash Thursday afternoon involving at suspected DUI driver on California Oaks Road in Riverside County.
The August 7 collision happened around 4:35 p.m. at the intersection of California Oaks Road and Skyview Ridge, according to the Murrieta Police Department. Multiple 911 callers reported that a truck and a car had collided, trapping the car’s driver inside.
Murrieta police officers and Murrieta Fire & Rescue crews arrived to find an adult female in the driver’s seat of the car with significant injuries. She was freed from the wreckage and transported to a local hospital, where she later died despite life-saving efforts.
Investigators identified the truck’s driver as Jaime Ruiz Jr., 39, of Murrieta. Police said Ruiz showed signs of alcohol impairment and was arrested at the scene. He was booked into county jail on suspicion of DUI Causing Injury, Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated, and Child Endangerment. The Murrieta man was then was released Friday after he posted a $75,000 bail bond, according to jail records.
Preliminary findings indicate Ruiz’s truck was traveling westbound on California Oaks Road when it entered the intersection and struck the victim’s vehicle.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to contact Traffic Investigator Gonzalez at (951) 461-6899 or [email protected], or Traffic Bureau Sgt. Zach Bradley at (951) 461-6388 or [email protected].
Legal Questions? Get Answers: 1-800-208-3538
When it matters most, trust Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients injured in California due to a negligent motorist. If you would like to contribute any information or would like to discuss a potential case, please call 1-(800) 208-3538 as soon as possible. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
