Former deputy Andrew Gertz, 32, has pleaded no contest to felony DUI charges resulting from a multi-car crash in Chico. Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey stated that the crash happened on Mangrove Avenue last year. In court, Gertz also admitted enhancements for causing injury to multiple victims, including inflicting significant bodily harm to one of them.
Gertz’s attorney asked the judge to reduce the felony charge to a misdemeanor, citing Gertz’s remorse, lack of prior criminal history, and 18 years of service as a correctional deputy. A future court date on May 15 will determine his sentencing. If convicted, Gertz could face up to eight years in state prison, or a max of one year in county jail if his charge is reduced to a misdemeanor.
Ramsey provided further details about the crash, noting that it occurred around 6:30 p.m. on a Monday evening in April 2023. Gertz rammed into two vehicles on Mangrove Avenue, resulting in severe back injuries for the driver of one car who later required surgery. The passengers in the other vehicle sustained minor injuries. Police responding to the crash noted that Gertz appeared significantly intoxicated. Tests later showed he had a blood alcohol content of 0.07% and had traces of Benadryl and Ambien in his system.
Upon interacting with Gertz, officers found him holding a pet snake in his lap and discovered that he had left his home’s garage and front door open. Gertz, who was not on duty at the time of the incident, quit from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office less than three months after his charge.
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