BULLHEAD CITY – A short prison term has been ordered for an alcohol involved three-vehicle traffic accident in Bullhead City. Jose Rivera, 22, entered a plea agreement convicting him of aggravated driving while under the influence.
Aggravated assault, criminal damage and other charges are dismissed in the deal.
Bullhead City police reported that Rivera fled the scene after the vehicle he was operating crashed with two others in the 1700 block of Emerald Road on March 12. 5 empty shooter bottles of vodka were located in his vehicle and a full bottle of vodka was in Rivera’s backpack when he was arrested on nearby Emerald Drive.
Judge Billy Sipe was informed that Rivera was an alcoholic with a 12-pack per day habit who has quit drinking “cold turkey” while his case has been pending.
Deputy County Attorney Carlos Lopez requested a prison sentence because four people suffered relatively minor injuries in the incident.
Judge Sipe imposed a four-month prison term during a June 26 sentencing hearing. Sipe placed Rivera on probation for four years following his prison term so that he can benefit from supervision to maintain sobriety.
