| For Immediate Release Case # 09WM07097
September 2, 2009 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCILMAN CONVICTED OF MISDEMEANOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
WESTMINSTER – A Westminster City Council member was convicted today of one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol, one misdemeanor count of driving with a blood alcohol level over .08 percent, and a sentencing enhancement for having a blood alcohol level over .20 percent while driving. Andy Quach, 37, Westminster, was sentenced to three years of informal probation, 10 days of Caltrans work program, fines and fees totaling $2,000, and a 9-month alcohol awareness program.
A few minutes past midnight, on Aug. 2, 2009, Westminster police officers responded to a traffic collision at 8821 McFadden Avenue in Westminster. Shortly after police arrived, the engine area of the defendant’s car burst and ignited in flames.
Quach sideswiped another car in his Mercedes Benz S550, lost control, struck a cement wall leading into the backyard of homes, and severed an electricity poll. At the scene, the defendant showed objective signs of intoxication including blood shot eyes, slow and slurred speech, and emitted a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and body. The defendant’s balance was unstable and he performed poorly the field sobriety tests given by the police officer. Quach had a blood alcohol level of .26 percent.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Ray Armstrong of the Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted this case.
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