DUI crash lands driver in prison

Tulare County Superior Court Judge Antonio Reyes Friday sentenced Mathew Carazolez, 27, of Visalia, to 6 years and 4 months in state prison for a driving under the influence crash that left a victim in a permanent coma.

Tulare County Superior Court Judge Antonio Reyes Friday sentenced Mathew Carazolez, 27, of Visalia, to 6 years and 4 months in state prison for a driving under the influence crash that left a victim in a permanent coma.

On July 28, 2016, Carazolez pleaded no contest to driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence with a BAC of .08 percent, and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol causing injury. Each count was enhanced with the special allegation that the victim was left comatose.

In the mid-afternoon of May 24, 2014, Carazolez and female, who was the passenger on his motorcycle, were driving in Porterville when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed. The victim, who was not wearing a helmet, was airlifted to Fresno where it was discovered that she experienced severe brain trauma and other injuries.

Carazolez was questioned by law enforcement officers and found to have a .14 percent blood alcohol level. Investigation also found that Carazolez had marijuana in his system. The victim has remained in a vegetative state with 24-hour care since the crash.