PASADENA >> An Altadena man died after a drunken driver collided wit his motorcycle in Pasadena early New Year’s Day, police said.
The deadly crash took place at 4:39 a.m. along Fair Oaks Avenue at Washington Boulevard, Pasadena police Lt. Mark Goodman said.
The victim, a 57-year-old Altadena man whose name was yet to be released, was riding a motorcycle south on Fair Oaks Avenue when a 2006 BMW X3 made a left turn in front of him, he said.
“The victim collided with the suspect vehicle and was ejected from the motorcycle,” police said in a written statement.
Pasadena Fire Department paramedics treated the motorcyclist and took him to an area hospital where he soon succumbed to his injuries.
Police identified the driver of the BMW as Shawn Antonio, 42, of Pasadena.
“Antonio was found to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and was arrested for gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI,” according to the statement.
Antonio has a previous conviction for DUI, police said, making him potentially eligible for a murder charge once prosecutors file a case.
Under California law, defendants accused of DUI resulting in death following a previous DUI conviction can often be charged with murder.
Those convicted of DUI are generally made to acknowledge a “Watson advisement” stating that they understand DUI is dangerous to human life, and that should they be involved in another DUI resulting in death, they could be charged with murder.
According to Los Angeles County booking records, Antonio was being held in lieu of $2 million bail pending his initial court appearance.