Salt Lake City, UT — A tragic collision in Salt Lake City left a man dead and his daughter seriously injured after being struck by a drunk driver early Saturday morning.
The driver, identified as 24-year-old Colby William Bia, has been arrested and is facing a slew of charges, including automobile homicide, a second-degree felony, and several other charges related to his history of driving under the influence (DUI). Bia’s previous DUI convictions stretch back over the past decade, and police say he was a restricted driver at the time of the crash.
According to the affidavit filed by the Salt Lake City Police Department, Bia ran a red light, T-boning the vehicle driven by 42-year-old Ernesto Puga. Puga was killed in the crash, while his juvenile daughter, a passenger in the car, sustained significant injuries. She was rushed to an area hospital for treatment.
When officers arrived at the scene, they observed that Bia appeared intoxicated. He was reportedly slurring his speech, unsteady on his feet, and had a strong smell of alcohol on his breath. Several open containers of alcohol were also found in his car. Bia’s eyes were described as bloodshot and glassy.
Bia’s criminal history reveals that he had multiple DUI convictions in the past ten years and was under a restricted driver’s license at the time of the crash. Police had also issued warrants for his arrest due to his prior offenses.
After being taken into custody, Bia reportedly became combative with officers. He refused to submit to a blood test and, in the process, injured one officer. He was eventually restrained and transported to the Salt Lake County Metro Jail.
Bia faces multiple charges, including automobile homicide, obstruction of justice, assault by a prisoner, and several traffic-related offenses. His prior DUI convictions and ongoing reckless behavior have led to concerns over how repeat offenders like Bia continue to pose a significant threat to public safety.
The family of Ernesto Puga is left mourning the loss of a loved one, while his daughter’s recovery remains uncertain. This tragic event underscores the need for greater accountability and stricter penalties for those who repeatedly endanger the lives of others on the road while under the influence of alcohol.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and Bia’s future in court will likely involve a series of legal proceedings aimed at holding him accountable for the devastating consequences of his actions.