Gilbert Vargas, Jose Vargas, Rita Vargas, and Mitzy Rodriguez Killed in Strathmore DUI Accident
STRATHMORE, CA (August 4, 2019) – Police arrested a wrong-way DUI driver after crashing head-on into two motorcycles, killing four people Sunday morning.
The call came in around 2:00 a.m. on Sunday to Porterville Area CHP. In addition, dispatchers told officers a wrong-way driver crashed on Highway 65 north of Avenue 196.
Authorities said a 24-year-old Jazmin Paramo drove northbound in the southbound lane of Highway 65. After that, she crashed head-on into two motorcycles.
Paramo crashed into a Harley Davidson Fat Boy driven by Gilbert Vargas, 47, and a Harley Davidson Road King driven by Jose Vargas, 43. In addition, both motorcycle drivers carried passengers — Rita Vargas, 40, and Mitzy Rodriguez, 39. However, all four died at the scene, according to CHP.
An air ambulance arrived for Paramo, who suffered major injuries in the collision. As a result, paramedics took her to Kaweah Delta Medical Center for treatment. However, doctors later released her to officers, who arrested and booked her.
Authorities booked Paramo into Tulare County Pretrial Facility. She is booked for suspicion of DUI causing injury and DUI with .20% blood alcohol causing injury. In addition, police charged her with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving with a suspended license. Police set her bail at $100,000.
Further investigation of this fatal incident in underway.
Our condolences are with the families and friends of Gilbert Vargas, Jose Vargas, Rita Vargas, and Mitzy Rodriguez.
Losing a loved one from a tragic crash can come with a heavy burden. Do not settle for the circumstances that come from someone’s negligence. Sweet Lawyers strive to meet all of your needs. We have the resources, experience, and staff to successfully fight for you in court. Please call us for a free consultation at (800) 674 7852.
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