Crime & Safety
Racecar Driver Suspected of DUI
He was detained during the races at Ocean Speedway on Friday.
A racecar driver at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence during the Friday night races, the California Highway Patrol reported.
The 64-year-old San Jose man was participating in the event when a sheriff's deputy noticed that he may have been driving drunk, according to the CHP.
A CHP officer arrested the driver, Leslie Charles Hunter, in the pit area of the raceway around 8:20 p.m., authorities said.
The CHP did not explain what about Hunter's behavior drew suspicion. They also did not release information about his blood-alcohol level.
The Santa Cruz Sentinel reported Hunter allegedly forced other drivers off the track.
Ocean Speedway is located at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds on East Lake Avenue, a couple miles north of Watsonville. It hosts a regular slate of races on Friday nights in the summer and fall.
Hunter was ranked No. 9 in the IMCA Sports Mod standings at Ocean Speedway as of July 19.
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