OCOTILLO, Calif. — The California Highway Patrol says a man who struck a pack of motorcyclists — causing a crash that killed five people and injured six — has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
CHP Officer Deann Goudie said today that 36-year-old Carlos Ramirez Bobadilla of Mexicali, Mexico, was arrested because his breath smelled of alcohol. Results of a blood test are pending.
Ramirez is recovering from hand fractures at a San Diego hospital. A woman in his car was among the five killed.
Goudie says Ramirez won’t be held responsible for the deaths based on evidence gathered so far. Authorities are looking for the driver of a gold Honda Accord who allegedly forced Ramirez off the road when attempting to pass 12 motorcycles on a remote desert highway east of San Diego.