Man survives DUI crash

For The Madera Tribune

A wrecked 2019 Ford Mustang sits in a yard on Mace Street near north 5th Street after the driver struck several trees and took out a fence just before 2 a.m. Dec. 2.

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A 26-year-old man is lucky to be alive, according to Madera police, after a high speed alleged DUI collision on Mace Street near east 5th Street.

Officers said Francisco Santos-Guzman, of Washington was driving his black 2019 Ford Mustang when he lost control and struck several large trees and spun out into a fence before landing in a yard on Mace Street just before 2 a.m. on Dec. 2.

Lt. Brian Esteves said Santos-Guzman also left the scene of the violent crash. “I’m not sure how he was even able to get out of the (wrecked) car ... all the airbags went off, and with as much damage as there was. He’s fortunate to be alive. But he was found walking a few minutes later, over near Vineyard Street and Cross Streets.” Esteves said.

The wrecked Mustang was almost unrecognizable, as it was towed from the yard.

Santos-Guzman failed several field sobriety tests and was reportedly nearly twice the legal limit for alcohol. He was arrested on charges of DUI and for leaving the scene of a collision.

Officers say alcohol and speed are an especially bad combination, and they encourage motorists to report speeding or erratic drivers to the Madera police department dispatchers at 675-4220. The line is answered 24/7. Police units will be out on extra patrol shifts, and watching for unsafe or DUI drivers through the end of the holiday season.