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Driver in Garapan car crash leaves the CNMI
Police say driver left to seek medical treatment
Joseph Aaron Hokin, the alleged drunk driver of a Ford F150 four-door pickup truck that slammed into a power pole in Garapan, left the CNMI on Monday.
Department of Public Safety acting spokesman Jason Tarkong confirmed with Saipan Tribune yesterday that the 26-year-old Hokin left the Commonwealth to seek medical treatment in the U.S. mainland.
Tarkong said that Hokin was cited for reckless driving causing bodily injuries, driving under the influence of alcohol, and other traffic violations.
Tarkong said that Hokin retained a private counsel in the case and that his court appearance will be either in April or May 2015.
If Hokin fails to show up at the hearing, the Office of the Attorney General may likely request the Superior Court to issue a bench warrant for his arrest.
On Friday, Tarkong disclosed that Hokin returned to the Commonwealth Health Center two days after the crash due to back pain and was diagnosed with a fractured spine.
Hokin reportedly refused medical treatment on the day of the crash and was released shortly after arriving at CHC’s emergency room.
The crash occurred on the southbound shoulder of Beach Road by the intersection of T Galleria and Bank of Guam near the Garapan basketball court in the early morning hours of March 22.
Jack Steven S. Deleon Guerrero, 22, a firefighter, who was the front seat passenger, reportedly sustained a lacerated right ear, a fractured spine, and is possibly paralyzed from the waist down. As of yesterday, he was still reportedly awaiting medical evacuation to the Philippines for further treatment or surgery.
Leilani S. Cepeda, 23, also a passenger, sustained bruises on the face and a laceration on the forehead, and was discharged from CHC the day after the incident, police said.
Traffic investigators have determined that speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.
The truck had extensive damage on all sides.
