BMW Driver Faces DUI, Other Charges in Vista Crash That Killed Man

VISTA, CA: A man accused of driving drunk and causing a collision that killed another motorist in Vista last month is scheduled to be back in court in August to face a charge of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Joseph Chase Horiuchi, 28, is charged in the April 9 crash that took the life of 35-year-old Richard One Lee of Vista.

Lee's Honda sedan was struck by a BMW driven by Horiuchi at the intersection of South Santa Fe Avenue and Civic Center Drive shortly after midnight, according to sheriff's investigators.

Deputy District Attorney Aimee McLeod alleged that Horiuchi ran a red light at 88 mph, striking Lee's car, which had the green light.

Lee's car wrapped around a traffic signal pole after being hit, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

Horiuchi suffered major injuries when his BMW rolled and landed in a nearby parking lot, sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Werner said.

Horiuchi's exact blood-alcohol level at the time of the crash isn't known, but is believed to be above .25 percent — more than three times the legal limit, the prosecutor said.

The defendant faces 10 years in state prison if convicted.

Horiuchi — who's free on $500,000 bail — will be back in court Aug. 12 for a readiness conference. A preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 19.

City News Service

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