Four injured in alcohol-related rollover

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Four males, including a 13-year-old boy, suspected of drinking were injured in a single-vehicle accident at about 6:30 p.m. New Year’s Day, according to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.

None of the occupants were wearing seatbelts and all are suspected of drinking, including the boy, who had a blood alcohol level of .102.

Deputies said the driver of a 1999 Ford Expedition traveling northbound on Hidden Valley Road near Fulcar Road lost control of the vehicle and it rolled several times.

The driver has been identified as Andrew Homer, 21 of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Jordan Lopez, 22 of the Community, was in the front-passenger seat and riding in the backseat were Hector Medrano, 19 of the Community, and an unidentified 13-year-old.

PCSO Vehicular Crimes Unit responded and took over the investigation. Homer was transported by ground ambulance and the other three were transported by air ambulance to local hospitals for their injuries. One of the passengers injuries are considered critical, another serious and Homer and the 13-year-old received minor injuries.

Homer later was interviewed, according to the press release, and said he had just left the “Farmers Market” after buying more beer. He was traveling 45 to 50 mph when he lost control of the vehicle.

Homer currently has a suspended Arizona driver’s license. PCSO said when he is released from the hospital and the blood results return from testing he faces charges on suspicion of aggravated assault, endangerment, aggravated DUI and providing alcohol to a minor.

“The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office just finished a record-setting year for impaired driving arrests,” Sheriff Paul Babeu said. “Driving while impaired by alcohol is a recipe for disaster.”