MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20191017-055
Thursday, October 17, 2019
SMPD Arrests Drunk Driver After Reckless Driving and Pursuit
San Mateo Police arrest a suspect for DUI after officers observed him driving recklessly off-road, leading police on a pursuit.
San Mateo, CA – On Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 8:30 P.M., San Mateo Police Department officers arrested a suspect following a vehicle pursuit after officers saw the vehicle driving off the roadway onto a grassy verge near S Norfolk Street / Fashion Island Blvd. The driver was subsequently arrested for being under the influence of alcohol and for driving on a suspended license for DUI.
On Wednesday evening, San Mateo Police Department officers were patrolling an auto burglary hot spot in the area of S Norfolk Street / Fashion Island Blvd. Officers observed a silver Chrysler minivan driving off-road without lights into a grassy verge adjacent to S Norfolk Street. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle and the driver failed to, leading officers on a low speed pursuit into a cul de sac in the 1600 block of Norton Street.
The driver surrendered to police without incident and was arrested. He was identified as East Palo Alto resident Juan Manuel Lopez and was booked into the San Mateo County Jail.
Driving while impaired is illegal, whether it is alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications or marijuana, and there are so many ways to get home safely without driving. Not only is it dangerous and irresponsible, impaired driving causes too many senseless tragedies. If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your driving ability, designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service. If you see someone driving impaired, call 911.
If you know someone suffering from alcoholism and need resources, our phenomenal partners at Star Vista San Mateo County are ready to talk 24/7 on their crisis hotline at (800) 686-0101 or visit https://www.smchealth.org/bhrs/aod. For more than 50 years, Star Vista has helped people throughout San Mateo County navigate life’s challenges. Their counseling, crisis prevention, youth housing, parent support, and early childhood programs help tens of thousands of people in our community each year.
ARRESTED
Juan Michael Lopez, 64-year-old East Palo Alto resident
Charges: Recklessly evading police (2800.2 CVC), driving while under the influence of alcohol (23152(a) CVC), and driving with a suspended license for DUI
MEDIA CONTACT
Michael Haobsh
Public Information Officer
Community & Media Relations
Desk: (650) 522-7626
Email: [email protected]
###
