Court Delays Case Over Truck That Hit Mother

An elderly Ventura motorist suspected of being intoxicated when his pickup truck critically injured a single mother of two last week had his arraignment delayed Tuesday to give authorities time to find more evidence.

Investigators are awaiting the results of toxicology tests before deciding whether to file charges against 77-year-old Carrol James Smith.

“It happens, it’s not unusual,” Bob Calvert, deputy district attorney, said of the delay. “When we charge an individual we want to make sure we have all the facts, and there are times we need to send cases back for further investigation.”

Smith had been booked into the Ventura County Jail after his pickup traveled almost 50 feet along a Telegraph Road sidewalk Sept. 3 and slammed Suzanne Erickson, 26, into a brick wall. Erickson flung a stroller containing her 18-month-old daughter Destiny out of the way seconds before Smith’s truck struck her.

The woman remains in guarded, but stable, condition in Ventura County Medical Center. Smith was taken into custody on suspicion of the felony charge of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing injury. He is free on $10,000 bail.

Police said Smith was arrested based on the results of sobriety tests officers conducted immediately after the crash. He also told police that he had a heart condition and high blood pressure.

Calvert declined to comment on a published report that said Smith’s blood alcohol level was below the legal limit for intoxication.

Smith’s arraignment date was continued to Oct. 9.

Meanwhile, a family friend has set up a trust fund for Erickson’s expenses that will not be covered by insurance. The Ventura College student, who also has a 2-year-old son, had worked nights at a corrugated cardboard plant in Santa Paula.

The Suzanne Erickson Trust Fund will help pay expenses for what is expected to be a rehabilitation period of 18 months to two years.

Donations may be made at City Commerce Bank, 445 Esplanade Drive, Suite 110, Oxnard 93030.