San Diego

Suspected DUI Driver Who Fatally Struck Jogger With Work Truck Was On Probation for Previous DUI

The truck involved in the crash was tied to a plumbing business

A man suspected of driving drunk in his work truck and hitting a jogger and killing her in Lakeside Monday was on probation for a previous DUI offense, according to court records.

California Highway Patrol officials say Michael Woodfill, 46, of Santee, was driving along North Woodside Avenue east of Riverford Road at around 6:40 p.m. when he lost control and struck the jogger.

CHP Officer Travis Garrow said Woodfill drifted off the road and hit a chain link fence before he swerved across lanes and hit the jogger. His truck continued down an embankment and overturned.

The victim, identified Tuesday as 41-year-old Susana Gotell of Santee, was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital where she later died. Woodfill was arrested at the scene on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

According to court documents, Woodfill was charged with DUI after he was caught driving with a blood-alcohol content level of .29 in 2015, more than three times the legal limit.

Woodfill is facing murder charges.

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