Atwater man accused of DUI, hitting fences

ATWATER -- An Atwater man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence Monday morning after his Camaro crashed into the fences of two homes here, according to Lt. Sam Joseph.

Officers were called to the 1500 block of Winton Way about 2:30 a.m. to investigate reports of a solo car accident. When officers arrived, they found a damaged 1990 Chevy Camaro.

The Camaro apparently side-swiped a Ford Aspire parked in the neighborhood and then crashed into the fence of a nearby home. The car continued, plowing into the fence of the home next door before coming to a stop, Joseph said.

The driver, identified as 29-year-old Andrew Johnson, was thrown into the passenger seat after hitting the fences, officers said. He was not injured and refused medical assistance, according to Joseph.

Joseph said Johnson told officers he had consumed two beers before he started driving. He was given a breath test, which showed an alcohol level of 0.14, according to police.

Johnson was booked at the Merced County Jail. He reportedly complained of head pain from the crash and was transported to an area hospital for treatment, Joseph said.

-- Ramona Giwargis