BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — He’d previously been convicted of drunken driving, and knew it was dangerous.
In fact, Jose Torres told police he had been arrested at least three times on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to newly-released court documents.
1 taken to hospital after central Bakersfield shooting
Those prior encounters with law enforcement didn’t stop him from drinking and then getting behind the wheel, reaching speeds Torres estimated at 70 mph — 20 mph above the posted speed limit — when he ran a red light the night of Aug. 6 at the intersection of Panama Lane and Akers Road, according to the documents.
His vehicle collided with another vehicle, killing the other driver.
Torres, 51, is charged with murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI-related offenses, driving without a license and providing false identification to peace officers. He’s being held without bail and a hearing Friday to determine if attorneys were ready for trial was postponed to next week.