DUI Arrest Made After Car Knocks Down Traffic Light Near Campus
Toyota Corolla with wrecked front after crashing into traffic light. (Dylan Ryu/The Santa Clara)
A Toyota Corolla crashed into a traffic light around 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, knocking it to the ground at the intersection of Bellomy Street, Park Avenue and The Alameda. The crash occurred directly in front of Kids on Campus and the area where the La Burbuja taco truck is typically parked.
When officers arrived, they found the light pole toppled and the vehicle damaged in the roadway. A strong smell of alcohol was present at the scene, and one officer was seen pouring out at least three cans of alcohol recovered from inside the car into nearby bushes.
According to the Santa Clara Police Department, officers responded to a report of a traffic collision in which a female driver struck a pole. Following an investigation, the driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and transported to O’Connor Hospital.
Police identified the driver as Flor Adela Salinas Martinez, 35, who was booked on suspicion of violating California Vehicle Code sections 23152(a) and 23152(b), which prohibit driving under the influence of alcohol. She was later released on her own recognizance, police said.
No injuries were reported. As of reporting, the damaged traffic light had not yet been replaced, but the intersection has reopened.
Knocked over traffic light due to car crash. (Dylan Ryu/The Santa Clara)
Police officer inspects interior of car, placing cans of alcohol on the roof. (Dylan Ryu/The Santa Clara)
Flor Adela Salinas Martinez, driver of the car that crashed, being questioned by police. (Dylan Ryu/The Santa Clara)