A Cullman County man is facing multiple charges in a DUI crash that injured two Shelby County students after a weekend homecoming dance in Calera.
Daniel Moreno, 35, is charged with first-degree assault, third-degree assault, leaving the scene of an accident with injury and DUI.
He was booked into the Shelby County Jail early Sunday and released Tuesday after posting bonds totaling $56,000.
The crash happened about 10 p.m. Saturday on U.S. 31 near Whippoorwill Lane in Calera.
The two victims, both students, were hospitalized. The female student was airlifted to the UAB Hospital with serious injuries.
Calera Police Chief David Hyche thanked those who took part in the investigation including Calera patrol officers and detectives, the Shelby County Traffic Homicide Taks Force, Pelham police and Alabaster police. He also thanked Calera firefighters for the care provided to the injured students.
“This was a terrible accident that has affected several families, but it could have been much worse,’’ Hyche said. “Seatbelts absolutely save lives.”
“We deal with far too many DUIs and preventable accidents which are amplified by our overcrowded roads and highways,’’ Hyche said. “Please make the decision to never drink and drive and take to heart the fact that you will be held accountable and charged with everything we can prove if you do.”
