Woman pleads not guilty to DUI

October 27, 2010

Two bicyclists are in critical condition after being hit Saturday in Huntington Beach by a 24-year-old Buena Park woman allegedly drinking peach-flavored vodka while driving, officials said.

The bicyclists, two adult males, are in critical condition at a local hospital, but their injuries are not expected to be life-threatening, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department.

The two were cycling along Pacific Coast Highway and Goldenwest Street when they were allegedly hit by Tama Rae Tracy. Officers found an open bottle of vodka in her vehicle.

Tracy pleaded not guilty Tuesday to felony driving under the influence, hit and run with injury, misdemeanor hit and run with property damage and a sentencing enhancement for inflicting great bodily harm, according to Orange County Superior Court records.

She was also charged with misdemeanor driving while on probation for a 2009 DUI conviction in Los Angeles County and a 2008 conviction in San Bernardino County.

Tracy was allegedly driving a black 2005 Mercedes at Pacific Coast Highway and Goldenwest Street at about 4:40 p.m. Sunday when she hit two bicyclists. She is accused of leaving the scene.

Witnesses called 911 to report the incident and again at 4:45 p.m. when Tracy allegedly hit a gray Chevrolet SUV at Goldenwest Street and Ellis Avenue. She allegedly left the scene again.

Police spotted the Mercedes speeding down Beach Boulevard near Ellis. They attempted to pull her over, but she allegedly tried to get away until she got stuck in traffic.

Officers found her front windshield shattered and an open bottle of peach-flavored vodka inside.

—Britney Barnes

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