Woman, 66, hurt while alleged DUI driver faces her fourth charge, CHP says
A head-on collision west of Fresno involving a suspected repeat DUI driver sent a 66-year-old woman to the hospital with major injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol.
As the investigation continued Sunday, authorities said the crash happened just before 5 p.m. Saturday along Highway 180 west of Cornelia Avenue.
A woman, identified as Leigha Addington, 28, of Fresno, was driving a GMC pickup westbound on the highway when she crossed over to the eastbound lane and into the path of a Honda CR-V being driven by a 66-year-old woman whose identity was not released.
Officers arrived and treated both women. The driver of the Honda was taken to Community Regional Medical Center and listed in critical condition.
Addington also was taken to the hospital and will be charged with DUI once she is released, authorities said. CHP Sgt. Matt Radke said this potentially would be her fourth DUI charge.
“She has multiple priors with multiple convictions,” Radke said. “She is looking at another conviction possibly. She is looking at the possibility of a prison sentence.”
CHP spokesman Mike Salas said Addington’s alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit.
The roadway was blocked for 80 minutes Saturday as officers investigated the crash.
CHP investigators were back at the scene Sunday afternoon, with traffic closed off between Blythe and Polk avenues.
This story was originally published April 18, 2021 at 3:37 PM.
CORRECTION: Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect new information provided by the California Highway Patrol on the age of the older driver and the name of the suspect.
