BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Tamera Popoy’s driver’s license had been expired about two and a half years when she allegedly hit a bicyclist while driving drunk last month, according to a newly-released court filing.
Popoy, charged with crimes including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in the death of 66-year-old Gabriel Lopez Ortiz, admitted to drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel, according to a probable cause declaration released Wednesday. A prosecutor has said her blood-alcohol content was three times the legal limit.
Additionally, her vehicle had damage consistent with the crash and a witness identified her as the driver that hit Ortiz, according to the declaration.
Earlier this week, Popoy’s bail was set at $110,000 — she was previously held without bail — and it appears she’s no longer in custody.
She’s due back in court Sept. 17.
Ortiz was found around 1 a.m. June 20 lying in the intersection of Stockdale Highway and Calloway Drive. He was taken to a hospital, where he died two days later.
Police said Ortiz was riding west through the intersection and was inside the crosswalk when hit by a vehicle that ran flashing red signal lights while traveling south.
Popoy, 35, was detained after officers found her trying to enter Westside Parkway, police said. Officers determined she was under the influence of alcohol and arrested her, and further investigation connected her to the crash.
Court records show she has prior convictions for speeding and failure to provide proof of insurance.
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