Drunk Driver Crashes Into Truck, Critically Injuring Child

by Ryan Yousefi May 5, 2025

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Drunk Driver Crashes Into Truck, Critically Injuring Child 3

Fernando Chequen Garcia {BSO}

A man with an alleged blood alcohol level of 0.64%—eight times the legal limit—faces multiple felony DUI charges following a crash that critically injured his young daughter.

According to a report from the Lauderhill Police Department, the crash occurred shortly before 6 a.m. on April 24 in the 1200 block of North State Road 7. Investigators say Fernando Chequen Garcia, 33, was driving when he rear-ended a silver pickup truck, which left the scene after the collision.

Lauderhill officers, who were nearby and heard the crash, responded immediately and observed Garcia removing a child from the vehicle’s backseat. Authorities say the child, later identified as Garcia’s daughter, was not restrained in a car seat or booster seat at the time of the crash. She suffered serious injuries, including a fractured spine, internal bleeding, and a deep laceration to her head, and was rushed into emergency surgery at Broward Health Medical Center.

Inside Garcia’s vehicle, officers observed an open Modelo beer can in the front passenger area. Garcia rode with his daughter in the ambulance and was later admitted to the hospital himself for treatment.

During that time, medical records show hospital staff collected blood samples from Garcia. The results revealed a staggering BAC of 0.64 g/100 mL, a level that medical experts classify as life-threatening.

To put the result into perspective: Florida law sets the legal BAC limit at 0.08%. A level of 0.64% represents severe alcohol poisoning and would typically result in unconsciousness or death for most individuals.

Investigators say the sample was taken six hours after the crash, suggesting Garcia’s BAC may have been even higher at the time of impact.

Garcia, who does not possess a valid driver’s license in the United States, was described by officers as having bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, a strong odor of alcohol, and sweating skin when questioned at the hospital.

Upon interview, officers say Garcia told officers he was returning from his cousin’s house, where he had been “playing games.” He could not recall details about the vehicle he collided with and admitted to driving without permission from the car’s owner.

Garcia was arrested and transported to the Broward County Main Jail.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.