An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday for a Long Beach fire captain who allegedly was drunk when he hit and severely injured a bicyclist.
John David Hines, 38, was driving drunk in his pickup truck April 1 when he lost control and swerved into a bike lane in Seal Beach, crashing into bicyclist Jeffrey Gordon.
Gordon, 47, was thrown from his bike and landed on the shoulder of the road while Hines allegedly drove away.
Gordon suffered head trauma, severe cuts and bruising, internal injuries and spinal injuries, prosecutors said. He was hospitalized for two weeks and still suffers from limited mobility and speech and memory loss.
The impact of the crash left a blood splatter on Hines' truck, which was heavily damaged.
Two drivers who witnessed the crash followed Hines to his home and called police. About two hours after the crash, Hines had a blood alcohol level of .24 percent.
Prosecutors filed several charges against Hines this week, including one felony count each of driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury, driving with a blood alcohol level of .08% or more causing injury, and hit and run with injury.
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of six years and eight months in state prison.
If you or someone you know has been charged with DUI Defense you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend has been practicing law since 1984.
Contact his law office today for a lawyer with the experience to help.