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Driver Accused Of Hitting Pregnant Woman Had Blood Alcohol Content More Than 3 Times Legal Limit

RIO LINDA (CBS13) - The man who caused a crash that sent a woman to the hospital and caused her to prematurely deliver her baby had blood alcohol content over three times the legal limit, officers say.

RONNY WARD 4-19
Ronny Ward (credit: Sacramento County Sheriff's Department)

On April 8, CHP received reports of a traffic collision on M Street east of 4th Avenue in Rio Linda that involved a parked vehicle and the victim, 6 months pregnant woman Ciara Villegas. As a result, Villegas suffered major injuries.

ALSO: Family Heartbroken And Confused As DUI Crash Suspect Is Released Hours After Premature Baby Died

The CHP says Ronny Ward III, 23, of Sacramento, was driving his Jeep when he allegedly veered to the right and hit a Chevy Impala parked along the road, then hit Villegas, who was standing outside of her vehicle, according to a statement from California Highway Patrol public information officer Ofc. Mike Zerfas.

Refusing a breathalyzer test, Ward III was subjected to a blood sample and released. The CHP reports that his blood alcohol level was found to be three times over the legal limit.

On Friday afternoon, Ward III walked into the Sacramento County Main Jail and surrendered to authorities. He was booked into the jail on felony DUI charges resulting in death or injury to another person.

 

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