State Revs Up Labor Day DUI Task Force

PHOENIX -- This holiday weekend marks the final weekend of the two-week, statewide Arizona Labor Day DUI Task Force Campaign.

On Friday, some -- like Jessica Pearson -- sought to warn others of the dangers of driving under the influence.

Pearson was on the Memorial Union lawn at Arizona State University, telling the story of her brother, former Sun Devil Henry Pearson, and their good friend, former Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart. Both went to ASU, and both were killed in April when a minivan driven by 22-year-old Andrew Thomas Gallo, of Riverside, crashed into their vehicle.

Three people were killed in the accident in total, and police said the Gallo had a blood-alcohol level of .19 at the time of the crash. He has since pleaded not guilty to suspicion of drunken driving, hit and run and manslaughter.
This holiday weekend, police agencies from all over the state are participating in DUI enforcement activities and will use high-visibility saturation patrols and checkpoints, and officers will actively seek drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol. Lakes and recreational areas, as well as arterial roadways, will also be monitored.

Luckily for most residents, Triple A is again offering their "Tipsy Tow" service starting Sunday evening and running through Monday night. Residents need only call 1-800-AAA-HELP for a free ride and a tow safely home.

There is also a new way to get home if you've had too much to drink. The Designated Drivers' program launched in the Valley today, and they offer free rides home from area bars. Bars just have to call the drivers to arrange the transit.

The program has been very successful since it was started in Las Vegas 10 years ago.


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Phoenix DUI and assault charges after hit-and-run

Monday's hit-and-run accident in the Phoenix area has resulted in one arrest for DUI and aggravated assault.

The accident occurred around 6PM in the east Mesa area outside Phoenix when a car struck a bicyclist, whose name has not yet been released. By 9PM that same day, Benito Gil-Mendoza was arrested and charged.

The cyclist was airlifted to Scottsdale Healthcare at Osborn hospital for treatment of pelvic fractures, a broken arm and back and some bleeding on the brain. There has been no information released regarding his current status.

While Gil-Mendoza had fled the scene rather quickly, witnesses were able to identify his vehicle. A Public Safety officer noticed a vehicle matching the description and carried out a routine traffic stop. The officer immediately noticed the smell of alcohol and suspected DUI.

Gil-Mendoza submitted a breath test that revealed his blood alcohol level was about .2%. Gil-Mendoza will be charged with DUI and aggravated assault due to the bodily injury caused by the accident. It is unknown whether Gil-Mendoza will be charged with manslaughter or, in worst case, murder, if the cyclist does not recover from the accident. Even in absence of homicide charges he faces years in prison for the assault.


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