Woman Accused In Fatal Wrong Way DUI Freeway Crash Pleads Not Guilty

SAN DIEGO, CA — A suspected drunken driver who allegedly drove the wrong way on state Route 52 near Kearny Mesa and crashed head-on into another vehicle, killing that motorist, pleaded not guilty Friday to charges that include gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Maricela Diaz, 23, is accused in a predawn crash on Aug. 26, near Interstate 805.

The California Highway Patrol said an eastbound Chevrolet pickup crashed into the victim's westbound car just after 2:30 a.m.

Deputy District Attorney Cally Bright alleged Diaz had a blood-alcohol content of .2% after the crash, which is more than twice the legal limit for driving.

Killed in the crash was a 49-year-old El Cajon man, who Bright identified as Roberto Mendez Sanchez.

Diaz, identified by the CHP at the time only as a 23-year-old San Diego woman, was taken to a hospital with minor injuries and later arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. Jail records indicate she was booked into county jail on Thursday.

She was being held on $100,000 bail following Friday morning's arraignment.

—City News Service