Laguna Niguel Crash Victim Hospitalized, Driver Accused Of DUI

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA —A 54-year-old man has been charged with a drunk driving collision in Laguna Niguel that has left the victim fighting for his life in a hospital.

James Daniel Forsyth was the driver who struck a victim on July 3 at Alicia Parkway and Niguel Road in Laguna Niguel, according to Orange County Sheriff's Sgt. Joses Walehwa. He is accused of being under the influence of drugs and alcohol, according to the Orange County's District Attorney's office.

The victim was taken to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo where he remains in critical condition, Walehwa said.

Forsyth pleaded not guilty Monday to driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit of .08, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs while causing injury, all felonies, and a misdemeanor count of possession of a controlled substance.

He also denied sentencing enhancements for inflicting great bodily injury and leaving a victim comatose or paralyzed.

According to the criminal complaint, Forsyth's blood-alcohol level was .10. He also allegedly had oxycodone and alprazolam on him when he was arrested.

Forsyth, held on $1 million bail, is next due in court July 30 for a pretrial hearing in the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach.