DUI Driver in Salinas Crashes Into Ambulance, Injuring Two EMTs

Mon, 04 May 2026 23:34:00 +0200

In Salinas, California, an ambulance responding to a medical emergency with lights and siren activated was struck head-on by a Chevy Cruze driven by an allegedly intoxicated driver, Armando Ortiz Mendoza, 26. According to the Salinas Police Department, Mendoza crossed the double yellow line into oncoming traffic, causing the crash. The collision resulted in injuries to Mendoza and two emergency medical professionals inside the ambulance, all of whom were taken to local hospitals. A breathalyzer test revealed Mendoza had a blood alcohol content of 0.20%, more than twice the legal limit, and a beer can was found at the scene. Mendoza was booked on suspicion of felony DUI. Authorities emphasized the serious consequences of impaired driving, highlighting that emergency responders were harmed while trying to help others. Police urged residents to make safe choices, such as using rideshares or staying put, to prevent similar incidents. This case underscores the dangers of driving under the i