Suspected drunk driver arrested after hitting pedestrian on Venice Boardwalk

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Drunk driver hits pedestrian on Venice Boardwalk, police say
A man was caught on video drinking a beer while driving down the Venice Boardwalk before he struck and injured a pedestrian, authorities said.

VENICE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A man was caught on video drinking a beer while driving down the Venice Boardwalk before he struck and injured a pedestrian, authorities said.

The driver, Israel DeAvila, was arrested on Monday for driving under the influence and assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police say he was driving and drinking a Modelo on Ocean Front Walk and struck the pedestrian at Rose Avenue. That person wasn't seriously hurt but was checked out by paramedics at the scene.

Video taken by one witness shows a large dent in the car's front windshield.

Once police arrived, DeAvila refused to get out of the car but they eventually got him out and took him into custody.

He's due to appear in court on Thursday.