California Highway Patrol officials said Gustavo Rodriguez had been driving a tan Toyota Camry when he swerved to the right for unknown reasons, crashing the vehicle on northbound lanes just north of Salinas Street.
Following the collision, off-duty Pasadena Police Chief Bernard Melekian saw Rodriguez climb from the vehicle and run away, according to a CHP incident report.
“Chief Melekian followed Mr. Rodriguez through the Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park, which is located just off the freeway,” the report stated. “Mr. Rodriguez took a nearby bicycle and continued to flee the scene. Chief Melekian managed to detain Mr. Rodriguez near the corner of Pintos Street and Canada Street.”
Authorities responded to the area after the police chief requested assistance and arrived to find the suspect lying on the asphalt near Melekian. Investigators noted a strong odor of alcohol on the suspect’s breath.
Following a series of field sobriety tests, authorities determined Rodriguez had been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. He told CHP officers he did not suffer any injuries during the crash, according to the incident report.
During a search of the vehicle, authorities located open containers of alcohol in the center console’s cup holder. CHP officials booked Rodriguez in lieu of $5,000 bail for DUI, driving without a license and hit-and-run causing property damage.