Angry driver slams into intoxicated pedestrian in downtown SLO

June 27, 2016

After a suspected drunk pedestrian reacted angrily to a driver honking his horn and ploughing through a downtown San Luis Obispo intersection Sunday night, the driver reversed course and slammed into the man. Police officers arrested the driver, and emergency responders transported the pedestrian to the intensive care unit of a local hospital.

At about 10:20 p.m., San Luis Obispo resident Scott Johnson, 50, was driving north on Chorro Street before he stopped at a red light at Higuera Street. When the light changed to green, Johnson accelerated into the intersection, however several pedestrians continued crossing the street.

Johnson responded by honking his horn.

An intoxicated 21-year-old man took offense to being honked at,  began shouting at Johnson, chased after his vehicle and slapped the back window.

Johnson then stopped in the middle of the block and accelerated in reverse, striking the 21-year-old man.

Door staffers from Bulls Tavern came out into the street, began giving aid to the victim and prevented Johnson from leaving the scene.

Emergency personnel  transported the injured man to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center where he is being treated in the intensive care unit. He was listed in stable condition Monday morning.

Before arresting Johnson, officers conducted a series of field sobriety tests. The officers determined Johnson had been drinking earlier in the evening, but he was not under the influence of alcohol while driving.

Police took Johnson into custody and charged him with assault with a deadly weapon. Officers booked him in San Luis Obispo County Jail with his bail set at $25,000. Johnson is no longer in custody, according to the county sheriff’s office website.