Officers mentioned all 4 passengers within the GMC have been taken to the hospital, together with Salazar.
Police mentioned Salazar was slurring his speech and had bloodshot eyes after they interviewed him, however he denied consuming alcohol and driving the car.
Officers discovered a number of containers of liquor – in addition to firearms and marijuana – in his car after the crash.
The sufferer of the crash has been recognized by his household as 58-year-old Kevin Barton.
“My soul mate, my love, was taken and by no means got here dwelling,” mentioned his spouse Melanie Garcia.
Barton’s household says he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was about to retire and had a second grandchild on the best way.
“He was a single dad, two daughters, raised us one of the best ways he may, sports activities, faculty, simply the very best childhood we may have requested for,” mentioned his daughter, Chelsey Barton.
Barton cherished sports activities and {golfing}.
“Previous to the accident we spent all day {golfing} and it is simply exhausting to consider. I am so shook as a result of I used to be simply with him all day and his final day was spent doing what he cherished which is {golfing},” mentioned his different daughter, Kristen Barton.
The crash occurred only a few blocks from Barton’s dwelling. He was on his approach dwelling after choosing up dinner.
His three canine have been within the SUV with him. Two are being handled by veterinarians. However the third canine, Otis, is now lacking after witnesses took him on the scene and mentioned they’d convey him to a vet.
“We referred to as all of the vets. We will not discover Otis,” mentioned Melanie.
Salazar is now going through a number of prices, together with murder by car. Salazar has had comparable run-ins with the regulation. Final Tuesday he was arrested in Roswell for inflicting one other automotive crash.
Police consider alcohol was additionally a think about that crash.
If you want to donate to the household’s funeral providers, a memorial Facebook page has now been arrange.
UPDATE, Nov. 23 at 10:04 a.m:
Wonderful replace! The household of Kevin Barton, who was killed by a suspected drunk driver Saturday, discovered their canine, Otis, who was within the SUV and has been lacking because the crash. The household despatched me this video of Kevin’s spouse, Melanie, being reunited with Otis this morning. @KOB4 pic.twitter.com/ogopVuXUMi
— Kai Porter (@KaiPorterKOB) November 23, 2021
