SUV ROLLOVER ACCIDENT: Seven injured at Highway 1 SUV rollover crash

Aptos, California - Seven people were injured in an SUV rollover accident at Highway 1 on-ramp at Freedom Boulevard on Monday.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the blue Ford Expedition tossed and reeled down a hillside. Aptos-La Selva Fire and American Medical Response rushed the five children and the driver at Dominican Hospital.

The 26-year-old woman, identified as Norma Edith Garcia, was ejected from the SUV and was dragged by another car up to 100 feet before stopping. Garcia suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Valley Medical center by air ambulance.

CHP investigators have suspected that the 27-year-old SUV driver, Pete Mendoza III, had been drinking, but not impaired at the time of accident.

The 40-year-old driver of Nissan Altima car, an Aptos woman, was uninjured along with her young passengers.

Although Mendoza was not charged with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), CHP officers cited him for over speeding, possession of marijuana, improperly belted passengers, and open container.

CHP officers are still investigating the cause of accident.