Driver charged after pedestrian crash with severe injuries
The pedestrian underwent surgery this week, a family member told TBS. He has not opened his eyes since the crash.
A pedestrian remains in the hospital with serious injuries this week after a driver struck him in a South Berkeley crosswalk in mid-February, authorities report.
The driver, 32-year-old David Antonio Navarro, has been charged with two felonies in connection with the crash, which took place Feb. 13 at 11:45 p.m.
That night, Berkeley police responded to Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Prince Street to investigate the collision, which took place just west of Ashby BART.
According to police, Navarro was northbound on MLK in a red 2018 Lexus when he hit the 33-year-old Oakland man in the crosswalk, causing "major injuries to his head, pelvis, legs and spine."
Read more about traffic safety in Berkeley.
As of this week, the pedestrian was undergoing additional surgeries and had not opened his eyes, a family member told TBS.
When officers spoke to the driver on the night of the crash, "they observed several signs that he might be impaired," BPD said this week.
David Antonio Navarro. BPD
"After a series of field sobriety tests and a preliminary alcohol screening" that night, officers arrested Navarro on suspicion of causing great bodily injury while driving under the influence, and DUI causing injury with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or more.
He was subsequently released as the investigation continued.
Last Thursday, the Alameda County district attorney's office charged Navarro with both crimes.
According to booking records, police arrested him again Monday with arraignment set for this morning.
As of publication time, Navarro was no longer in custody, according to court records. No bail amount was listed.
He is now scheduled for an attorney and plea hearing March 10.
According to public records, Berkeley police also arrested Navarro on suspicion of DUI, including DUI with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or more, in April 2024.
As of this week, no associated criminal charges were listed in Alameda County Superior Court records online.
