Alleged DUI Driver Causes Head-On Collision in Novato: CHP

NOVATO, CA — A man previously convicted for DUI was allegedly driving drunk again Tuesday in Novato when he crashed head-on into two other vehicles, causing injuries to himself and three other people, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The collision was reported at 1:30 p.m. on Atherton Avenue, east of Tamarin Lane, according to CHP Marin Area Spokesman Andrew Barclay.

"Reports to CHP dispatch indicated that a vehicle traveling westbound on Atherton Avenue had crossed over the double-yellow lines and collided head-on with two other vehicles," Barclay said.

CHP officers arrived and found three vehicles off the south side of the road, all with major damage.

The officers' preliminary investigation revealed that Bermin Mazariegos Lopez, 25, of San Rafael was driving a 2007 Toyota Corolla westbound on Atherton, east of Tamarin, at a high rate of speed when he allowed his car to cross over into the eastbound lane of traffic, Barclay said.

At that time, 57-year-old Thomas Marshall, of Novato, was traveling eastbound on Atherton in a 2007 Toyota Tundra — directly toward Lopez. The front ends of the two vehicles collided, causing both to begin rotating, according to the spokesman.

As Lopez’s Corolla began spinning out of control, it struck a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder being driven by 51-year-old Carrie Cummings of Novato, who had been driving directly behind Marshall’s Tundra.

The impact sent all three vehicles off the side of the road, where they remained until emergency personnel arrived on scene, Barclay said.

Firefighter/paramedics with the Novato Fire District evaluated everyone involved in the collision.

Lopez's passenger, 21-year-old Dagoberto Hernandez of San Rafael, was treated and released at the scene for moderate injuries, as were Marshall and Cummings, according to Barclay.

Lopez was found suffering from moderate to major injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment, but not before he was handcuffed, according to the spokesman.

"As officers attempted to speak with Lopez regarding the collision they observed objective signs of alcohol intoxication and initiated a DUI investigation," Barclay said. "Officers determined Lopez was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision and placed him under arrest prior to being transported to the hospital."

Barclay said upon Lopez's release from the hospital, he will be booked into Marin County Jail on suspicion of three counts of felony DUI causing injury, misdemeanor driving on a suspended license for DUI with excessive blood alcohol content, misdemeanor driving on a suspended license for DUI and misdemeanor violation of probation.

Atherton Avenue was closed following the crash, but was reopened by 3 p.m.

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