Arraignment Set for Off-Duty LA Deputy Accused of DUI

An off-duty deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will be arraigned Tuesday for crashing his motorcycle on the freeway near Brookhurst Street in Fountain Valley and injuring his wife while driving under the influence of alcohol.

Richard J. Patterson, 38, West Covina, is charged with one felony count each of driving under the influence causing injury and driving with a blood alcohol .08 percent or more causing injury with a sentencing enhancement allegation for having a blood alcohol level of .15 percent. If convicted, he faces a sentence ranging from probation up to three years in state prison.

At approximately 6:25 p.m. on July 5, Patterson is accused of driving a motorcycle while intoxicated northbound on Interstate 405 near Brookhurst Street in Fountain Valley. His wife was riding on the back of the motorcycle. The defendant is accused of crashing his motorcycle into the back of a moving vehicle.

Patterson and his wife were both transported to Western Medical Center. The defendant was treated for injuries to his hip and his wife suffered a knee injury and abrasions to her arms and hand. The occupants of the other vehicle were not injured.

Two hours after the crash, Patterson is accused of having a blood alcohol level of .15 percent, almost twice the legal limit.