A solo rollover traffic collision on Thanksgiving Day in Gilroy
left a 15-year-old girl with a broken neck, and her 19-year-old
driver likely facing felony DUI and child endangerment charges,
according to California Highway Patrol Officer Jaime Rios.
A solo rollover traffic collision on Thanksgiving Day in Gilroy left a 15-year-old girl with a broken neck, and her 19-year-old driver likely facing felony DUI and child endangerment charges, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Jaime Rios.
At about 8:25 p.m., Avimael Leon was traveling at 55 mph eastbound on Gilman Road in a 2003 Honda CRV when he drifted into the left lane, according to the CHP. The Gilroy resident overcorrected, causing his vehicle to roll over on its left side four to five times before it landed on its roof, according to CHP reports.
Leon was arrested for DUI charges and transported to San Jose Regional Hospital to treat a fractured/dislocated right middle finger. The passenger, a 15-year-old Gilroy girl, suffered a broken neck and a fractured lower right arm, according to CHP.
“The hospital said the girl had a broken neck, and with any slight movement she could have died,” said Rios.
Officers said they discovered alcohol in the vehicle at the time of the collision, according to CHP reports.
Rios was unable to provide any updates on the status of the 15-year-old, and said the investigation was pending.
