On Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at approximately 6:13 pm, while patrolling the campus of San Jose City College, a district police officer observed a green Honda drive out offrom the parking garage and onto the perimeter road in front of the Student Center, on Wednesday, March 2, at approximately 6:13 pm.
The vehicle was driving with the driver-side, rear tire completely flat and with no headlights on. The office initiated an enforcement stop after determining that the condition of the vehicle created a dangerous driving situation and compromised the safety of the public.
The vehicle appeared to pull over on Moorpark Avenue, however, took off as the officer approached. This occurred several times on Moorpark until the vehicle finally was not able to continue as it pulled back into the parking garage off Leigh Avenue and was inadvertently blocked in by a passing motorist.
The police officer conducted a high-risk car stop and after momentarily refusing to exit, the driver surrendered and was arrested.
He was identified as a 19-year-old SJCC student, who admitted to drinking and driving. An investigation into his sobriety determined he was not able to perform basic sobriety tests.
San Jose Police were summoned to assist with a preliminary alcohol-screening device (breath test) and determined his blood alcohol level was 0.20 percent, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
The suspect was booked into Santa Clara County Jail for driving under the influence of alcohol, evading a police officer, and driving an unsafe vehicle. The district police officer further determined that the suspect’s vehicle sustained fresh collision damage.
A thorough search of the campus parking lots and surrounding areas was conducted as well as notifying other local police agencies for reports of recent hit and run victim vehicles. None were located and the investigation continues.
Contributed by SJCC/EVC District Police