A busy Napa intersection finally got a new traffic light installed after a drunk driver crashed into it more than a year ago.
In the early, still-dark morning of April 7, 2023, a driver crashed into the light pole at Soscol and Lincoln avenues. The driver, Ramon Gomez, and his passenger were transported to the Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center with injuries.
Court documents note that at the scene Gomez “had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from person, red blood shot eyes, slurred speak and he was unsteady on his feet.” The passenger suffered a major spinal cord injury, the documents say. Gomez’s blood alcohol level tested at 0.177%, according to the documents.
Gomez was later charged with two felony counts connected to causing injury while under the influence of alcohol. In November, he was granted a five-year probation, with terms including about a year in jail — though that time was reduced by 277 days because of good conduct and time served — along with about $2,500 in fines and restitution payment to the passenger.