Pleasanton Man Enters Plea In Murder, Felony DUI Charges: Reports

PLEASANTON, CA — A Pleasanton man pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and four other felony charges in connection with a fatal Nov. 29 crash in San Ramon, according to several reports.

Badal Dholaria, 27, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, driving under the influence of alcohol and causing great bodily injury, and driving with a DUI over greater than 0.08% causing injury. Each DUI count had enhancements for causing great bodily injury. The crash killed a 41-year-old woman riding inside a Ford Bronco. Dholaria was also charged for injuring a 40-year-old man inside of the car.

Preliminary findings from the San Ramon Police Department's Traffic and Investigations Division indicate that Dholaria was driving more than 150 mph westbound on Crow Canyon Road, leading him to strike the rear passenger side of the Bronco at a time when he was driving at least 120 mph.

Dholaria is in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility as of Monday, with bail set at $1.2 million, according to the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office.

A judge will decide on Dec. 15 if the case will move to trial.

“I want to be clear: every DUI-related incident represents a choice — a choice that can kill. If you’re impaired, don’t drive,” said Contra Costa County DA Diana Becton. “Every time you get behind the wheel under the influence, you’re gambling with lives. Whether it’s alcohol, marijuana, prescription medicine, or illegal drugs, any substance that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely makes you a danger on our roads.”

SEE ALSO:

• Pleasanton Man Drove 120+ MPH Drunk Before Fatal San Ramon Crash: Police
• Woman Killed In San Ramon Crash, Pleasanton Resident Arrested On DUI Suspicion: Police
• Major San Ramon Street To Close Part Of Wednesday For Police Investigation