Julio Ruiz, driver in fatal Christmas crash arrested
The driver involved in a crash that killed a 9-year-old boy on Christmas morning was arrested last Friday. 29-year old Julio Ruiz is facing charges of grand theft of a motor vehicle and is being held on a $5,000 bond. Ruiz was also behind the wheel of a vehicle that crashed into a parked truck on Cortez Boulevard, killing Isaac Santillan on his ninth birthday and sending two others to the hospital. It’s unclear whether he will be facing charges in the boy’s death.
The State Attorney’s Office said there is probable cause Ruiz was driving under the influence when his car crashed into a parked truck in someone’s yard, and that formal charges are likely.
Investigators said Ruiz admitted he had some drinks before the crash and took some unknown pills for a headache. After that, Ruiz said, he can’t remember anything.
According to investigators, he was going at least 77 mph in a 30 mile an hour zone.
Issac Santillan hit the windshield and died at the scene. It was Issac’s 9th birthday.
Investigators are still waiting for the toxicology report from Ruiz. He could face manslaughter charges.
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