National City Wrong-Way Driver’s Fatal DUI Sentencing Postponed

Back in February, we first reported on a fatal driving under the influence (DUI) case involving April Carole Thompson, 23. In June, April Thompson pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter for causing a fatal car accident while driving the wrong way on SR-52.

Now, according to CBS 8 in San Diego, Thompson’s sentencing, which was supposed to take place September 6, has been postponed until November 1. The 23-year-old faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for not only vehicular manslaughter but also use of a deadly weapon, causing great bodily injury and driving with a blood-alcohol level of .15 percent or higher.

“Thompson’s blood-alcohol level was estimated to be .24 or .25 percent – three times the legal limit for driving – at the time of the collision,” said Deputy District Attorney Michael Runyon.

The accident occurred around 1 a.m., on December 29, as Thompson was attempting to make the drive from her home in National City to her boyfriend’s home in El Cajon. According to police, a big rig was traveling eastbound on SR-52 when the driver saw oncoming headlights, immediately slowed to 35 mph and pulled over to the side of the road. After the big rig pulled over, a 1972 Volkswagen Beetle passed it traveling eastbound only to be struck head-on by Thompson’s Chevrolet truck, which was traveling west in the eastbound lanes.

Witnesses testified that after the accident, April Thompson started her truck again and tried to back out of the wreckage but was unable to do, because it was stuck.

“She was just starting it up, even though it was already on,” California Highway Patrol Officer Shad Davidson told ABC 10 News in San Diego. “She had the truck in reverse and the two cars were locked together so they were moving back and forth in a rocking manner.”

Despite the fact that her blood-alcohol was still well over the legal limit two hours after the crash, Thompson claimed to officers that she had only had one glass of vodka around 4:30 p.m. the day before, but her condition and behavior after the accident did little to back up her claims.

“Thompson had bloodshot eyes, slurred her speech and smelled of alcohol,” said CHP Officer Jason Gutierrez. “She became hysterical and began to ramble about situations in the past and started to move her body from side to side in the vehicle.”

The irresponsible behavior of others can shatter your world in an instant, but you do not have to let them get away with it. We can help. For years our San Diego car accident lawyer has been successfully defending the rights of people just like you, who are suffering because of a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence.

Please explore our website for more information on car accidents and how we can help you, or contact our firm at (619) 853-5101 for a free consultation.

Did you know?: In fatal crashes in 2011, the highest percentage of drunk drivers was for drivers ages 21 to 24 (32 percent).

Bonnici Law Group, APC—San Diego car accident lawyer



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