LAPD Officer Accused of Fleeing Boat Accident
An LAPD officer was arrested Sunday on suspicion of boating under the influence and fleeing an accident after his 20-foot craft struck and seriously injured a teenager on a Jet Ski at a Monterey County lake, officials said.
David E. Guzman’s Ultra Custom performance boat hit the rear of Jason Penalba’s Jet Ski on Lake San Antonio, a Monterey County sheriff’s report said. Penalba, 18, of Agoura Hills, suffered a broken pelvis, damage to his liver and spleen, crushed vertebrae and cuts to his back. He was airlifted to UCLA Medical Center.
His passenger, Erik Shirey, 19, suffered minor cuts.
Monterey County sheriff’s deputies arrested Guzman after he allegedly fled the accident. He was booked on suspicion of boating under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident and failing to render aid. The Los Angeles Police Department has launched an internal investigation into Guzman’s conduct, said Officer April Harding.
His passenger, William Jeffers, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after he was stopped with a trailer on his way to pick up Guzman and the boat, authorities said.
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