A woman struck by Los Angeles Dodger James Loney described the bizarre multi-car Maserati crash as terrifying. He was arrested November 14 for driving under the influence after hitting three cars on the 101 Freeway near the Sepulveda Boulevard exit.
He was driving his 2009 Maserati westbound around 6 pm, when he sideswiped three cars, then came to an abrupt stop in the fast lane and apparently passed out, according to police. When he woke up, he attempted to flee the scene. He drove across all the westbound traffic lanes, collided with another car and hit a sound wall on the right shoulder.
Judy Eckerling was among those hit by Loney. She said she felt someone sideswipe her on the driver's side. Then she watched the car continue on until he hit another car, and then an embankment. She said she went to check on Loney and found him with earbuds in his ears, his stereo on full blast and his car doors were locked.
When she reached inside the window and unlocked the door, she pulled his ear buds out, and tried to get him to respond. However, he was non-responsive. As she was on the phone with 911, with her head inside the window, he woke up, agitated, and then started the engine and took off.
She said she did not smell alcohol, but that he was not acting normal. The police report said that he was restless, unsteady, aggressive and irritable. It also indicated that he exhibited eyelid tremors and his shirt was soiled and moist from perspiration, from his armpits down to his waistline.
He also thought the date was July 15. And when police tried to check his alcohol level, he bit off the mouthpiece and spit it at him. He was arrested for DUI, but never taken to a police station for booking because medical personnel were concerned about his behavior.
He was released to the custody of Sherman Oaks hospital, where he underwent testing to determine if he had a medical problem. The Los Angeles district attorney's office says it is waiting for the results of drug and alcohol tests before deciding how to proceed.
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