| For Immediate Release Case # 11WF2493 November 28, 2011 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami
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OFF-DUTY POLICE OFFICER TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR CRASHING MOTORCYCLE AND INJURYING WIFE ON FREEWAY WHILE DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
WESTMINSTER – An off-duty deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will be arraigned tomorrow for crashing his motorcycle on the freeway and injuring his wife while driving under the influence of alcohol. Richard J. Patterson, 38, West Covina, is charged with one felony count each of driving under the influence causing injury and driving with a blood alcohol .08 percent or more causing injury with a sentencing enhancement allegation for having a blood alcohol level of .15 percent. If convicted, he faces a sentence ranging from probation up to three years in state prison. Patterson is expected to be arraigned tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. in Department W-14, West Justice Center, Westminster.
At approximately 6:25 p.m. on July 5, 2011, Patterson is accused of driving a motorcycle while intoxicated northbound on the Interstate 405 near Brookhurst Street. His wife was riding on the back of the motorcycle. The defendant is accused of crashing his motorcycle into the back of a moving vehicle.
Patterson and his wife were both transported to Western Medical Center. The defendant was treated for injuries to his hip and his wife suffered a knee injury and abrasions to her arms and hand. The occupants of the other vehicle were not injured.
Two hours after the crash, Patterson is accused of having a blood alcohol level of .15 percent, almost twice the legal limit.
The California Highway Patrol investigated this case.
Deputy District Attorney Patrick Moss is prosecuting this case.
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