Not guilty plea from alleged drunk driver who fatally struck co-worker in Mira Mesa

Posted: Aug 16, 2013 4:21 PM PDT <em class="wnDate">Friday, August 16, 2013 7:21 PM EST</em>Updated: Aug 16, 2013 4:21 PM PDT <em class="wnDate">Friday, August 16, 2013 7:21 PM EST</em>

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - A man accused of driving drunk to work when he allegedly struck and killed a co-worker and friend as the victim stood next to a parked car in Mira Mesa pleaded not guilty Friday to four charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury.

Matias Escobar Aguilar, 26, was arrested immediately after the fatality occurred Wednesday morning, according to San Diego police.

The victim, 28-year-old Efrain Gonzales, was standing next to a car in the 10900 block of Sunny Meadow Street when he was hit at about 6:45 a.m. by Aguilar's westbound 1993 Ford Ranger. Gonzales died at the scene.

Deputy District Attorney Cherie Somerville said Aguilar's blood-alcohol level was .18 percent at the time of the incident, more than twice the legal limit for driving.

Aguilar -- who has an immigration hold -- had his bail set at $100,000.

He also is charged with a felony count of driving with a blood-alcohol level of .08 percent or higher causing injury and a misdemeanor count of driving without a license.

Aguilar faces 10 years in prison if convicted. He will be back in court Aug. 27 for a readiness conference and Aug. 29 for a preliminary hearing.

http://www.cbs8.com/story/23160178/not-guilty-plea-from-alleged-drunk-driver-who-fatally-struck-co-worker-in-mira-mesa