Early-morning crash results in DUI, assault charges for driver
A 20-year-old man is facing assault and driving under the influence charges after an early-morning wreck Sunday at the intersection of McFarland Boulevard and Highway 69 North in Northport.
The wreck happened around 3:30 a.m. and involved two vehicles.
The first vehicle contained three people, and two of those sustained minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
There were two occupants in the second vehicle, and the passenger sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to UAB Hospital. At this time, they’re in critical but stable condition.
The second vehicle’s driver, identified as Justin Gachoya, was suspected by investigators of being at fault for the crash and under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Because alcohol may have been a factor in the crash, the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit assumed the investigation. Working alongside the Northport Police Accident Reconstruction Unit, after processing the scene, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses and consulting with the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s Office, Gachoya was charged with the following:
- One count of first-degree assault
- Two counts of third-degree assault
- One count of driving under the influence
Gachoya was placed in the Tuscaloosa County Jail with a bond of $38,000.
