PALMDALE – A 21-year-old Palmdale man accused of driving drunk, crashing into an SUV carrying small children and then attempting to flee the scene on foot has pleaded no contest.
Nestor Kevin Antonio pleaded no contest on Wednesday to driving with a .08% blood alcohol content (BAC) or more causing injury, according to Ricardo Santiago of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
“He was sentenced to three years in state prison and warned by the court that if he drives under the influence and causes a death he can be charged with murder,” Santiago stated.
The remaining three criminal charges against Antonio– driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury, leaving the scene of an accident, and unlawful vehicle operation – were dismissed as part of the negotiated plea, Santiago stated.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred July 16 on Avenue S, near 56th Street East in Palmdale. Antonio was speeding and weaving in and out of lanes when he side-swiped an SUV that was carrying small children, according to one of the victims.
“We almost flipped over because of him,” said Brandon Nuyens, adding that three people were taken to the hospital.
Following the crash, Antonio jumped out of his vehicle and ran away; but he was captured soon after about a block away from the scene, witnesses said.
A blood alcohol content test put Antonio at .19 percent, more than twice the legal limit, according to court records.
Antonio was already on probation for a misdemeanor DUI, court records show.
“He pleaded no contest to driving with a blood alcohol level of .08% or higher for an incident on Feb. 12, 2013. He was sentenced to 36 months summary probation,” Santiago stated, when asked about the prior DUI.
A restitution hearing is scheduled for August 27.
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Previous related story: Alleged DUI driver facing multiple felonies
Danny says
Just put him 6′ under what a pos!
tori says
And with the current kick out times he will do 10% of the sentence and be out before this Christmas.
Chiquis! says
A candlelight vigil will be held for Nestor Chiquis Antonio this Saturday at the AV Dump.
MR. PERPLEXED says
WOW THIS WAS FAST!! NOW WHY HAVE OTHER DRUNK DRIVING CASES BEEN DRAGGED OUT IN COURT FOR MONTHS AND SOMETIMES EVEN YEARS?
AMAZING THAT THIS WAS RESOLVED IN TWO WEEKS.
Av folk says
He probably pled guilty…
Bob says
He will do it again. Viva La Raza!
G says
Viva sarcastic, bitter Bob!!!
anonymous says
He deserves life for being a second time offender and putting those children at risk. Period end of story.
kp1972 says
totally agree whats with these plea deals does the family you hurt or kill get an option
rooney says
His license should have been revoked, community service and probation for 10 years. Second DUI. What is wrong with the judge? Oh I get it…we don’t want to fluff any feathers. It’s good to know he’ll be off the streets for a while!!!
roam says
What license?! That is a damn joke, 3 years with halftime. Those kids could have died.
Mike says
Could have but didn’t. How many times people almost hit people cars driving distracted. If anytime u almost do something u should be punished then everyone would be. Have some common sense ppl.
Z says
But according to the friend in the first story he didn’t do it right? Hope he really learns his lesson this time and he should he thanking his lucky stars he didn’t kill anyone.