Crime & Safety

Bay Bridge Traffic Stop Uncovers Repeat DUI Allegations

A San Francisco man accused of driving drunk on the Bay Bridge now faces felony charges.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A San Francisco man is facing felony DUI charges filed by prosecutors who say he drove across multiple lanes of the Bay Bridge during a daytime commute and recorded a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced charges against Darvaughn Young, 34, who prosecutors allege veered erratically across several lanes on the Bay Bridge in broad daylight, forcing nearby drivers to brake sharply to avoid a crash.

According to court records, officers observed Young westbound on the Bay Bridge around 12:30 p.m. on May 2 crossing two lanes — from number 3 to number 5 lane — creating a sudden hazard in heavy traffic.

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CHP stopped the vehicle shortly afterward and reported signs of intoxication. A chemical breath test measured his blood alcohol at .26 percent, well above California’s legal limit of .08 percent.

The criminal complaint also alleges Young has three prior DUI convictions within the past decade and includes an enhancement for driving with a blood alcohol level above .15 percent, which can increase penalties if he is convicted again.

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Young pleaded not guilty at a May 5 arraignment. A judge ordered him to abstain from alcohol, attend weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, avoid driving, and wear an alcohol-monitoring device while the case moves forward.

He was released on bail after his arrest. His next court date is scheduled for June 9, when a preliminary hearing is expected to be set.

The case is being prosecuted by the San Francisco District Attorney’s Felony DUI Vertical Prosecution Unit and remains under investigation.

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