A driver suspected of driving drunk and fleeing the scene of a fatal rollover crash on State Route 94 pleaded not guilty to multiple felony counts Thursday.
Rene Ruiz, 27 of Spring Valley, is accused of being intoxicated while behind the wheel of a Mercedes that lost control and crashed Monday on eastbound SR-94 near Sweetwater Springs Boulevard.
The vehicle went up and over the center guardrail and landed on the westbound side of the freeway, seriously injuring Melanie Feliciano, who was unrestrained and seated on the vehicle's center console at the time of the crash, CHP Officer Travis Garrow said.
Ruiz and a 22-year-old woman from La Mesa ran from the crash scene on foot leaving Feliciano trapped in the car, CHP said.
Yousif Abdulwahid told NBC 7 he saw the pair running from the crash and asked if he could help. When they said no, he called 911.
The two were found about an hour later hiding in a canyon a few hundred yards away and taken to separate area hospitals.
Feliciano was transported to the hospital where she died, Garrow said.
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According to court documents Ruiz is charged with felony DUI, hit and run causing death, murder and possession of a controlled substance for sale.
Officers found heroin in the Mercedes after the crash and say Ruiz was driving on a suspended license.
Documents show Ruiz had a previous DUI offense on his record.
If convicted on all counts, Ruiz could face 15 years to life plus five years in prison.
He is being held without bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for September 28.
