A Delhi man who was behind the wheel in a fatal collision that killed a teenager will not be facing felony charges, according to the Merced County District Attorney’s Office.
Michael Lindo, 33, had been arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, DUI causing great bodily harm and/or death, hit and run resulting in death and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated for the collision that claimed the life of Jennifer Arroyo, 17, of Delhi.
However, after reviewing the evidence, the district attorney’s office opted to not pursue felony charges because it did not seem likely a conviction could be reached.
On Jan. 23, Lindo was driving a 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe east on August Avenue when he struck Arroyo, who was walking along the street. He was going an estimated 30 miles per hour at the time, according to the California Highway Patrol.
A witness to the incident began CPR on Arroyo, but her injuries were too severe and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lindo initially left the scene of the collision, but he later returned. Because he returned shortly after the collision and did call 911, the district attorney’s office stated they could not pursue felony hit and run charges.
Lindo was given a field sobriety test, of which he passed three and failed one. He took a breathalyzer, which should his blood alcohol limit to be .05, which is under the legal limit to drive of .08. The CHP arrested Lindo on the suspicion he was at or above the legal limit at the time of the collision.
On Jan. 26, Lindo entered a no contest plea in Merced County Superior Court to a misdemeanor charge of tampering with an interlock device and driving on a suspended or revoked license. He was later released from custody. He will still have to face a violation of his probation for two previous driving under the influence convictions, both of which were misdemeanors.
Arroyo was a student at Denair Charter Academy and was interested in studying veterinary medicine. Her family and friends are trying to raise funds for her funeral and have started a Go Fund Me page. On the page they expressed their wish that people, especially Lindo, learn the lesson to not drink and drive.
“It took one man making a very bad decision to drive while under the influence and in a blink of the eye Jenny's life was gone,” read the statement.
The link for the fundraising page is: https://www.gofundme.com/jennifer-marie-arroyo-funeral
