Intoxicated student involved in hit and run assault
October 22, 2002
Campus police arrested student Aimee Ruyters for assault with a deadly weapon last week.
Two females tried to stop Ruyters from gaining access to her vehicle because they felt that she was too intoxicated to drive, according to the campus police media log.
Public Information Officer, John Hamrick, said it was at this time that Ruyters was able to gain access to the vehicle, started it and struck the victim with it.
The victim sustained injuries to her knee and hip, and she identified Aimee Ruyters to police and pressed charges.
“It was the victims belief that (Ruyters) intentionally tried to hit her,” said Hamrick.
Later that night California Highway Patrol arrested Ruyters for driving under the influence on Fulton Avenue.
According to the information from University Police, the three women had been out drinking off campus prior to the incident.
The University Police decided to charge Ruyters only with Assault with a Deadly Weapon but Hamrick said that in cases like this it is not uncommon for the District Attorney to add charges such as Hit and Run.
Last Tuesday, University Police arrested Ruyters at the Public Information Building.
“Most of our hit and runs involve vehicles backing out or turning and striking parked vehicles,” said Hamrick.