Where Is The Wrong Way DUI Driver Who Crashed Into A Sheriff's K-9 Unit On PCH In December?

Monday August 19, 2024

(Photos courtesy VCSO)

     Updated--  In December of last year a Ventura County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit was struck by a wrong way DUI driver on Pacific Coast Highway south of Mugu Rock causing the sheriff’s patrol unit to plunge over the side of the road to the rocks below.

     The deputy and his K-9 partner were injured in the crash and it’s only a miracle that it wasn’t worse.

     The alleged driver of the wrong way vehicle, 25-year-old Gerardo Escalante of Santa Paula, already on probation for DUI, was arrested for DUI Causing Injury.

     He pleaded not guilty to that and other charges plus he denied several special allegations.

     Eventually, Escalante bailed out of jail but in March of this year he failed to appear in court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

     So what happened to Escalante?

     Did he flee the country?

     Apparently not.

     KVTA News was told by Ventura County authorities that Escalante was deported.

     Apparently some confusion and communication issues among agencies resulted in his deportation before he could be prosecuted.

     So, will Escalante ever face criminal charges in connection with what happened?

     That’s unknown.