3 days ago
KCSO Lt charged in 2 crashes had BAC nearly 4 times legal limit: doc
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A Kern County sheriff's lieutenant who's facing nine felony counts after crashing twice within hours had a blood-alcohol content nearly four times the legal limit, according to a court document released Thursday.
A preliminary breath test taken after the first crash revealed Patrick McNeill had a BAC of 0.31%, according to a probable cause declaration.
McNeill, 45, is charged with multiple counts of DUI causing injury, hit-and-run causing injury and misdemeanor resisting arrest. Prosecutors say the charges include enhancements for having a high blood-alcohol content and injuring more than one person.
McNeill provided an initial breath sample after a minivan he drove hit three vehicles at 11:46 a.m. on March 16 near the intersection of Allen Road and Stockdale Highway, police said in the document.
Two other breath samples taken at 12:26 and 12:28 p.m. each returned a BAC of 0.28%, according to the declaration.
McNeill told police the last alcoholic drink he had was a Big Sipz, consumed 15 minutes before the crash.
The minivan was towed. McNeill was cited for driving under the influence and given a ride home.
About two hours later, officers were called to a hit-and-run crash at Coffee and 7th Standard roads.
McNeill was identified as the driver who fled and was later found at Lerdo Jail, where he was arrested after a short standoff, according to prosecutors.
He admitted to leaving the scene of the crash, according to the declaration.
Another preliminary alcohol screening was administered. It showed McNeill's BAC at 0.21%, according to the declaration. This time he was arrested and booked into jail.
An arraignment date hadn't been scheduled as of Thursday morning. McNeill is out of custody.
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