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Wreck, serious injuries lead to assault charge


HERBERTA SCHROEDER/Courtesy
First responders tend to an accident victim at a wreck on Andy Devine Road Wednesday evening.
1/25/2013 6:01:00 AM

 By Ahron Sherman

 KINGMAN - An illegal immigrant who caused a head-on collision around 6:45 p.m. Wednesday has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault by the Kingman Police Department.

Police say Andres Murgia Ortiz was driving a silver Dodge Durango east on the left-hand lane of Andy Devine Avenue and was attempting to merge into the turn lane when he veered into oncoming traffic and struck a woman who was driving a Nissan Sentra.

Witnesses told police that they saw the Durango swerving prior to the accident.

"(Her) car went up into the air, rotated and came down facing Uptown Drug," said KPD Sgt. Bob Fisk.

Both vehicles suffered major damage, and both drivers were transported to the Kingman Regional Medical Center.

The woman sustained internal injuries, broken ribs and a head injury, Fisk said. She possibly has several fractures as well, he added.

Ortiz had chest pain and was released from the hospital at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Fisk said Ortiz was arrested at Motel 6 East after his release from the hospital.

Ortiz's blood will be analyzed by the Department of Public Safety to determine if he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, Fisk said.

As for the aggravated assault charge, Fisk said it comes down to the fact that his driving caused serious physical injury to another person.

"In this instance, the intent doesn't matter," Fisk said.

Ortiz faces this charge and possibly others - pending the blood analysis - before being deported.


 

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