A late-night collision on Carlsbad Boulevard left two drivers in the hospital and one of them under arrest after police say they found a loaded gun at the scene.
Carlsbad police were called to the 4400 block of Carlsbad Boulevard at about 11:08 PM on Tuesday for reports of a traffic collision. Emergency crews treated people at the scene before taking both drivers to a nearby hospital for injuries tied to the crash.
Police account and arrest
According to the City of Carlsbad Police Department, officers at the crash site found a firearm and arrested one person on suspicion of driving under the influence, causing injury. The same individual is also suspected of carrying a loaded firearm in public and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, the department said.
Both drivers were taken to a local hospital with injuries related to the collision, according to the department’s post. Police added that the firearm discharged during an apparent attempt by a driver to handle it, but reported no gunshot-related injuries, per the City of Carlsbad Police Department. The arrested individual remains under police supervision while receiving medical care, and investigators say the case is still active.
What the charges could mean
An arrest for driving under the influence causing injury can fall under California Vehicle Code 23153, which makes it unlawful to drive under the influence and cause bodily injury to another person, according to the California Legislature website.
If investigators determine the arrested person was legally barred from having a firearm, prosecutors could also consider felony charges under Penal Code 29800, which prohibits certain convicted or otherwise disqualified individuals from possessing firearms, per the California Legislature website.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to call the Carlsbad Police Department non-emergency line at 442-339-2197, according to the city’s police page. Police say they plan to update the public as the investigation moves forward.
