Alleged DUI Driver Arrested Following Hit-And-Run; Gun Seized

A witness helped Pasadena police arrest an apparently extremely drunk driver, as well as recover a handgun, after seeing the suspect leave the scene of a crash and following him early Thursday, authorities said.

The incident began just before 2 a.m., when a passerby saw another car crash into an electrical box at Lincoln Avenue and Toolen Place, Pasadena police Lt. Anthony Burgess said.

Following the crash, the driver continued heading north on Lincoln Avenue, driving in the southbound lanes, according to the lieutenant.

The witness called police and led them to the suspect’s location, Burgess said.

The driver appeared to be highly intoxicated, he said.

Upon searching his car, officers found a loaded 9mm handgun that was not registered to the suspect.

Jayson Dion Fernandez, 38, of Altadena was booked on suspicion of DUI, hit-and-run and weapon-related offenses, according to police and Los Angeles County booking records.

Bail for Fernandez was set at $35,000 pending his initial court appearance, which was yet to be scheduled.