Ever Olivos-Gutierrez was apparently a tragedy waiting to happen. With numerous DUIs and no valid driver’s license, the accused suspect in an accident that killed a 17-year-old student Monday evidently was not willing to curtail the behavior — driving drunk, for which he is also suspected — that endangered others’ lives.
A deputy district attorney said in court Wednesday that Olivos-Gutierrez is expected to face a charge of first-degree murder — which, if a charge even close to that in severity eventually prevails, is certainly one way to get him off the highway.
But what about other multiple DUI offenders who haven’t — yet — killed someone?
Colorado is one of five states that doesn’t have a “felony driving while intoxicated” law that offers the possibility of imprisonment and greater leverage for treatment. Rep. Mark Waller, R-Colorado Springs, has introduced such a bill, however, and it should be a priority for both parties.
