San Diego DUI Lawyer Blog

A suspected drunk driver is responsible for killing Los Angeles pitcher Nick Ardenhart and two others on Thursday after a hit and run car accident in Fullerton.

Nick Ardenhart, 22 just finished pitching his season debut for the Angels against the Oakland Athletics throwing six scoreless innings.

At 12:30 a.m. a man suspected of driving under the influence in a red minivan, ran a red light and broadsided a silver Mitsubishi Eclipse that Ardenhart was a passenger in. The DUI driver fled the crash site on foot.

Andrew Thomas Gallo, 22, of Riverside, was captured and identified by police about 30 minutes later. Gallo was driving on a suspended license for a previous drunk driving conviction.

Gallo’s blood alcohol level was “substantially over the legal limit” of .08 percent, said Lt. Kevin Hamilton.

Ardenhart was taken to the University of California, Irvine Medical Center where he died in surgery. The driver of the car Courtney Frances Stewart, 20, and Henry Nigel Pearson, another passenger in the car were pronounced dead at the scene. Jon Wilhite, 24, a forth passenger in the car was in critical condition and expected to live.

Gallo is likely to be convicted of three counts of murder, three counts of vehicular manslaughter, felony hit and run and driving under the influence.

Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County

In California, it is unlawful for any person to drive a vehicle while under the influence of any kind of alcoholic beverage or drug.

If you have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, blood alcohol concentration, you will be charged with DUI or driving while intoxicated if arrested. You may face a fine and jail time if convicted.

Angels pitcher Adenhart killed in Fullerton crash, driver arrested, Sign on San Diego, April 9, 2009