DUI Female Driver Arraigned for Hit-and-run and Subsequent Death

Posted By CotoBlogzz 01-11-2009 06:00 PM

NEWPORT BEACH, CA - Shana Lynne Calderon was arraigned today for hitting a pedestrian and fleeing the scene while driving under the influence of alcohol, which resulted in the victim's death one week later.

Calderon, 21, Newport Beach, is charged with one felony count of hit and run causing death, one misdemeanor count each of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or more, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia, and driving without a valid license. If convicted, Calderon faces a maximum sentence of four years in state prison and is out on $100,000 bail. She is expected to be in court for a pre-trial hearing Feb. 25, 2010

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Dec. 12, 2009, Calderon is accused of driving a white 1995 Ford Explorer southbound on the California State Route 55 as it turned into Newport Boulevard in Costa Mesa. She is accused of moving into the right hand turn lane at the intersection of Newport Boulevard and 19th Street. While the victim, 29-year-old Michael McLaughlin, stepped into the street, Calderon is accused of striking McLaughlin with the car, causing him to hit the windshield and fly into the street. She is accused of parking her vehicle nearby, walking to the scene, and speaking to a witness that had congregated. Calderon and her passenger then fled the scene. The victim was transported to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, where he succumbed to his injuries a week later due to blunt force trauma to the head.

Approximately two hours later, Calderon turned herself in to the Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD). Calderon is accused of displaying objective signs of intoxication including bloodshot and watery eyes, flushed face, slurred speech, and a strong odor of alcohol on her breath. She is accused of possessing two hollowed-out pen containers used to ingest prescription drugs. Calderon is accused of driving without a valid driver's license.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Ed Berakovich at (714) 347-8492 or CMPD Investigator Rick Cummings at (714) 754-5264.