Dennis Van Nguyen, 64, of Westminster was sadly killed in an accident caused by an alleged drunk driver in Long Beach on March 23. The driver was later identified as David Michael Garrison.
Garrison, 38, of Bellflower was allegedly driving drunk while speeding eastbound on Anaheim Street when he lost control trying to turn right onto Pacific Coast Highway. At approximately 6:20 a.m., he collided with Nguyen who was traveling northbound in a Kia. Unfortunately, Nguyen was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s records.
Garrison suffered significant injuries in the collision and received medical treatment before formal arrest. His passenger at the time of the accident also received treatment for severe injuries.
As this was not Garrison’s first offense, prosecutors chose to file murder charges and other charges against him in the investigation. Garrison had a previous arrest for driving while intoxicated and had been under a Watson advisement; this meant that the drunk driver had signed a formal statement implying his understanding of the dangerous consequences that come with DUIs. When a person receives this advisement, he can face murder charges if someone dies as a result of any future DUIs.
Garrison Faces Multiple Charges
As the investigation develops, Garrison faces additional charges: gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury within 10 years of another DUI offense, driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher, and driving under the influence of a drug causing injury with an allegation of causing great bodily harm. His plea hearing will take place on April 16th with bail set at $2 million.
If charged, Garrison can face a maximum sentence of 15 years to life in state prison. However, no amount of time spent imprisoned will help the Nguyen family restore what they had before the accident.
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