| For Immediate Release Case # 09NF1375
May 13, 2009 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
DRUNKEN TEEN DRIVER CHARGED WITH KILLING TWO FRIENDS AFTER 70 MPH CRASH INTO TREE, EJECTING VICTIMS ONTO STREET
FULLERTON – A teen driver under the influence of alcohol has been charged with killing two friends after losing control of his car and crashing into a tree, ejecting the victims onto the street. Jared Nobel Berggren, 19, Fullerton, is charged with two felony counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated with a sentencing enhancement for causing great bodily injury. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 13 years in state prison. Berggren is being held on $200,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon in Department N-3, North Justice Center, Fullerton.
At approximately 2:30 a.m. on May 11, 2009, Berggren is accused of driving approximately 70 mph in a 25 mph zone in a residential area in Fullerton while under the influence of alcohol. Victim Jacquelyn Ardalan, 19, was riding in the front passenger seat and victim Miles Andrew Christensen, 19, was riding in the rear right seat of Berggren’s Toyota truck. Berggren is accused of losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a large eucalyptus tree. Victims Ardalan and Christensen were ejected from the truck and landed nearby on the ground. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Berggren was transported to the hospital and treated for a non-life-threatening skull fracture. He is accused of having a blood alcohol level above .10 percent at the time of the crash.
The investigation is ongoing. Deputy District Attorney Susan Price of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
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