BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A retired sergeant with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is facing felony charges after a crash in which he’s accused of leaving the scene and driving with a blood-alcohol content three times the legal limit.
Bail for Arnulfo Ryan Valverde was reduced Thursday from $700,000 to $45,000 on conditions including he immediately report to the probation department and be placed on an alcohol-monitoring device. He is to have no alcohol in his system.
A prosecutor opposed the change, telling a judge Valverde poses a public safety risk and should remain in custody.
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The prosecutor noted Valverde had a BAC of 0.24% after the Nov. 26 crash that injured two people — requiring one victim to get surgery on both wrists. A bottle of Jack Daniel’s whiskey was found in his car.
Defense attorney Mark Anthony Raimondo said Valverde will comply with all conditions of release. He said the former sergeant had a distinguished career and has no prior criminal record.
An on-the-job injury resulted in issues including “mental health conditions,” Raimondo said.
Valverde is charged with two counts of DUI causing injury, and hit-and-run causing injury. A preliminary hearing is scheduled Feb. 3.