DUI crash in Salinas leaves medics hurt; Armando Mendoza held

clock Created with Sketch Beta. May 04, 2026
DUI crash in Salinas leaves medics hurt; Armando Mendoza held

SALINAS, CA, (May 02, 2026) – Two medics were injured Saturday night after an ambulance was struck head-on by a suspected impaired driver in Salinas, according to police.

The crash occurred on East Boronda Road at approximately 10:41 p.m. Authorities said an AMR ambulance was traveling eastbound with its emergency lights and siren activated while responding to a medical call when it was hit by a Chevrolet Cruze.

Police identified the driver of the Cruze as 26-year-old Armando Ortiz Mendoza, who allegedly drifted across the centerline into oncoming traffic, causing the collision.

Both medics were transported to local hospitals for treatment of their injuries. Mendoza was also hurt in the crash and later booked into jail on felony DUI charges.

No additional details were immediately available. The investigation remains ongoing.


CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

Every year, millions of people are injured in traffic crashes across the United States, many suffering long-term consequences. Drunk driving continues to be a major factor in deadly accidents despite public awareness efforts, strict laws, and sobering statistics. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 42 minutes in 2023.

As authorities continue to examine the cause and liability in this case, Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, emphasized the importance of an independent investigation conducted by an experienced attorney.

“Beyond the efforts of law enforcement, an attorney can revisit key witness statements, review available surveillance footage, and secure phone and text records of the responsible party,” said Bond, a national analyst for Accident Injury News.

“In situations like this, acting quickly is critical so that evidence is preserved and analyzed in a timely manner,” Bond added.


PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the injured victims may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim. Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal, noted that the aftermath of a serious injury can place immense strain on victims, affecting their personal lives, employment, finances, and overall well-being.

“It is important for victims to seek legal representation when filing a personal injury claim so that negotiations with insurance companies are handled effectively,” Formica said.

“Insurance providers often attempt to settle claims quickly for less than their full value. An attorney will advocate strongly on behalf of the victim to ensure fair treatment and appropriate compensation.”


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Accident Injury News's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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