Teen Driver In Fatal Marin Co. DUI: Police Announced Charges

NOVATO, CA — The teen driver in a fatal crash that killed a passenger and injured four others was booked into the Marin County Juvenile Hall late Tuesday afternoon.

The driver faces changes including vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, a felony DUI, and child endangerment stemming from a fatal collision on April 11, Novato police said in an announcement online.

The teens, from the Rohnert Park area, were driving through Novato when they slammed into a utility pole on San Marin Drive at Simmons Lane.

One passenger, Niko Vargas Ortiz, died from his injuries. The others remained in serious to critical condition, including the 17-year-old driver, whom police suspected had been under the influence of alcohol.

After the driver received medical clearance late Monday, the case was forwarded to the Marin County District Attorney’s Office for review.

The loss has rippled across nearby school communities. Students and families connected to Rancho Cotate High School and El Camino High School gathered on Friday for a vigil to honor Vargas Ortiz, many wearing the number 25 he wore on his football jersey.

Since underage drinking is illegal, teens arrested for a DUI risk jail, face losing their driver's license and prosecution, as well as attorney fees, court costs, other fines, and insurance hikes. They also face losing academic eligibility, college acceptance, and scholarship awards, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

MORE: Students Mourn Teen Killed In Marin DUI Crash