Seattle Crime Report

In the early hours of May 8, 2024, law enforcement responded to a concerning scene at the intersection of Boren Avenue and Howell Street. Osvaldo Mendoza, the driver of a red Ford Fusion, was found asleep behind the wheel of his vehicle after allegedly colliding with another car waiting at a red light.

Upon arrival, officers were notified by a passerby that Mendoza, who appeared to be unresponsive, had struck the rear bumper of another vehicle twice. The driver of the affected vehicle, identified as Toan Dinh, declined medical attention and drove away after providing a statement to the police.

Officer Jacob Qualls, who was on the scene, reported that Mendoza showed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol. Mendoza admitted to having consumed a beer earlier in the evening, although he reportedly could not recall the collision.

Attempts to have Mendoza perform field sobriety tests failed; he refused to participate. After observing further signs of intoxication and discovering a beverage container suspected to contain beer in Mendoza's vehicle, officers conducted a breathalyzer test. The test results showed a blood alcohol concentration significantly over the legal limit at 0.153 and 0.156 in two separate samples.

Based on the evidence and Mendoza's actions, officers arrested him for DUI and negligent driving. His vehicle was impounded due to its location obstructing traffic and the absence of anyone who could take possession of it. After being processed at the precinct and cooperating with required procedures, Mendoza was released with citations and a scheduled hearing date.