DUI To Blame For Sonora Crash

By Tracey Petersen Published Mar 18, 2014 09:11 pm

Sonora, CA — A Coulterville man was arrested for drunk driving after a crash in Sonora. The accident happened yesterday just before 5 p.m. on Stockton Road at the Wood Creeks Drive intersection.

The Sonora Police Department reports that 61-year-old Nancy Nelson of Copperopolis was driving a 2010 Nissan SUV westbound on Stockton Road when she slowed down to make a right turn onto Woods Creek Drive. 45-year-old Gary Armstrong of Coulterville was driving behind her in a 1983 GMC pick-up. The CHP says Armstrong was unable to stop and rear-ended Nelson’s SUV.

Officers determined Armstrong was under the influence of alcoholic after field sobriety tests. A breath test showed his blood alcohol level to be more than twice the legal limit. In addition, Armstrong is on probation in Mariposa County for misdemeanor DUI.

Armstrong was arrested and charged with felony driving under the influence resulting in an accident and injury, and for misdemeanor violation of probation.

Nelson complained of pain all over, but declined to go to a hospital. 17 March 2014, at approx. 4:57 pm, emergency personnel responded to the area of Stockton Road and Woods Creek Drive for a reported vehicle accident with injuries.

When officers arrived, they determined that Nancy Nelson, 61 of Copperopolis, was westbound in a 2010 Nissan SUV, when she slowed to make a right turn onto Woods Creek Drive. Gary Armstrong, 45 of Coulterville, was also westbound in a 1983 GMC pick-up and struck Nelson’s vehicle as it slowed. Nelson complained of pain in numerous areas of her body, but declined to be transported to the hospital.

Armstrong was contacted and determined to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage following field sobriety tests. A breath test showed Armstrong’s blood alcohol level to be more than twice the legal limit to be operating a vehicle. It was also learned that Armstrong is on probation in Mariposa County for misdemeanor driving under the influence.

Armstrong was arrested and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for felony driving under the influence resulting in an accident and injury, and for misdemeanor violation of probation.