| For Immediate Release Case# 08HF1670
March 18, 2009 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
DRIVER UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL CONVICTED OF ASSAULTING MAN WITH CAR WHILE TRYING TO RUN SIX PEOPLE OVER NEAR
NEWPORT BEACH PIER
SANTA ANA – A driver under the influence of alcohol was convicted today of assaulting a man with his car while trying to run six people over outside of a bar near the Newport Beach Pier over Labor Day weekend. Bryan Adam Curiel, 23, Pasadena, pleaded guilty to one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon, one felony count of driving under the influence causing bodily injury, and one felony count driving with a blood alcohol .08 percent or more causing bodily injury. He was sentenced to three years in state prison and ordered to pay restitution.
On the night of Aug. 31, 2008, Curiel and a friend were drinking at a bar near the Newport Beach Pier. After leaving the bar, Curiel and his friend went to a nearby donut shop and attempted to flirt with three women inside. The three women indicated that they were not interested and left the shop. Curiel followed them outside with his friend and continued to make comments and try to speak with the women, who repeatedly asked him to leave them alone. While outside, the three women were joined by three additional friends, two men and another woman. The defendant yelled profanities at the group before leaving with his friend.
Approximately 10 minutes later, and while under the influence of alcohol, Curiel deliberately tried to run over the six victims with his sedan while speeding between 50 and 65 mph through the parking lot near the pier. The six victims attempted to jump out of the way as Curiel sped toward them, but victim Bonuk Y. was unable to move in time and was struck in the foot. Curiel drove his car over the sidewalk into a pedestrian walk space and crashed into several concrete benches. The benches, which were bolted to the ground, were pushed several feet as a result of the impact.
Deputy District Attorney Keith Burke of the Felony Panel prosecuted this case.
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