A 26-year-old man is lucky to be alive, according to Madera police, after a high speed alleged DUI collision on Mace Street near east 5th Street.
Officers said Francisco Santos-Guzman, of Washington was driving his black 2019 Ford Mustang when he lost control and struck several large trees and spun out into a fence before landing in a yard on Mace Street just before 2 a.m. on Dec. 2.
Lt. Brian Esteves said Santos-Guzman also left the scene of the violent crash. “I’m not sure how he was even able to get out of the (wrecked) car … all the airbags went off, and with as much damage as there was. He’s fortunate to be alive. But he was found walking a few minutes later, over near Vineyard Street and Cross Streets.” Esteves said.
The wrecked Mustang was almost unrecognizable, as it was towed from the yard.
Santos-Guzman failed several field sobriety tests and was reportedly nearly twice the legal limit for alcohol. He was arrested on charges of DUI and for leaving the scene of a collision.
Officers say alcohol and speed are an especially bad combination, and they encourage motorists to report speeding or erratic drivers to the Madera police department dispatchers at 675-4220. The line is answered 24/7. Police units will be out on extra patrol shifts, and watching for unsafe or DUI drivers through the end of the holiday season.