Mario Gongora Castaneda Killed, James Watkins Arrested in DUI Crash [Petaluma, CA]

Fatal DUI Accident McDowell Boulevard Leaves 53-Year-Old Mario Gongora Castaneda Dead

 
Petaluma, CA (September 23, 2020) – On Tuesday, 53-year-old Mario Gongora Castaneda,standing on the sidewalk, was struck and killed. Moreover, police arrested 41-year-old James Watkins of Cotati for the DUI crash on McDowell Boulevard.
 
The fatal accident happened at about 7 PM on September 22. Authorities said Watkins was driving a 2011 white Toyota Prius southbound on McDowell Boulevard.
 
He then went over the sidewalk and struck Mario before entering the intersection, which has a roundabout.
 
Immediately, two off-duty law enforcement officers and one off-duty nurse gave the victim medical care before the ambulance arrived.
 
The rescuers took Mario Gongora Castaneda to Petaluma Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
 
Moreover, Watkins, whose car landed in the middle of the roundabout, did not get injured. Police suspected DUI and had him tested at a local hospital.

James Watkins’ Prior DUIS

 
Authorities said Watkins “has a pending court date from a 2018 DUI collision arrest in Sonoma County.”
 
Furthermore, authorities arrested Watkins. They later booked him into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility.
 
Consequently, he will be charged on felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter for the deadly accident on McDowell Boulevard.
 
Meanwhile, the authorities withheld the identity of the 53-year-old victim pending notification to his family.
 
Please contact traffic officer Mike Pierre at (707) 781-1208 if you have witnessed the incident.

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We at Sweet Lawyers send out our heartfelt sympathies to the friends and family of Mario Gongora Castaneda during this difficult time.

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Reach out to the experienced lawyers at Sweet Lawyers when a loved one is involved in a serious vehicular crash. We have over 40 years of experience in the legal field, and we know what it takes to win your wrongful death, auto accident, personal injury, and disability case. Also, promise to fight, day and night, to achieve the justice and compensation that you and your family deserve. While you work on grieving and healing, we will secure your future from further losses. Call our offices at (800) 674 7852 for a free consultation with a professional.