Officers determined that Paula Lopez, 61 of Sonora, was taking her 16 year old son to Columbia, when they started arguing over how fast Lopez was driving. They then drifted into the oncoming lane of traffic, at which time Lopez’s son grabbed the steering wheel and jerked it to bring the vehicle back into their lane of traffic. This caused their vehicle to collide with a parked vehicle.
Both Lopez and her son were showing signs of being under the influence of controlled substances. They also complained of pain as a result of the accident. Both were transported to Sonora Regional Medical Center where they were treated and released. Lopez was booked at the Tuolumne County jail for driving under the influence of a controlled substance, and for operating a vehicle without a valid drivers’ license. Lopez’s son was released to the probation department for being under the influence of a controlled substance.
Additional charges may be requested against Lopez for child endangerment and contributing to the delinquency of a minor child.