San Diego, California — February 27, 2011
Police say a man camped in the brush near Interstate 805 in northeast San Diego was killed Sunday when a drunk-driving suspect lost control.
The California Highway Patrol reports that Nicholas Arthur Thibault, 27, was traveling north on Jacob Dekema Freeway (I-805) in an unidentified vehicle shortly after 6:25 a.m. when he attempted to leave the highway at Exit 15 (University Avenue). Investigators say Mr. Thibault lost control along the exit ramp, careening through heavy foliage and stopping on the opposite entrance ramp.
The victim, identified only as a transient, was hit and transported by paramedics to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
Officers booked Mr. Thibault on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and DUI (driving under the influence. He is being lodged at the San Diego jail without bail.
UPDATE: On May 10, Mr. Thibault was sentenced to spend one year in prison and five years’ probation in the killing. Upon his release, he is expected to participate in a residential alcohol-treatment program.
Police have identified the victim as 47-year-old Brent Routley.
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