Full Notification

Newark, California (Friday, November 7, 2025)

On Sunday, August 31, 2025, at approximately 10:35 p.m., Newark Police Officers and members of the Alameda County Fire Department responded to a two-vehicle collision involving a sedan and an SUV at the intersection of Cedar Boulevard and Lafayette Avenue. Following the impact, the sedan struck a residence in the 5000 block of Lafayette Avenue.

From the beginning of the investigation, Driving Under the Influence was suspected to be a factor in the collision. Three occupants of the SUV sustained serious injuries, and a resident who was sitting in the family room of their home was also injured. The injured individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment and are continuing to recover from their injuries.

Newark Police Department Traffic Officers took over the investigation and determined that the driver of the sedan, Raul Quintana, a 31-year-old Newark resident, had been traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph prior to the collision, with a blood alcohol concentration nearly three times the legal limit. Quintana sustained serious injuries from the collision, requiring extensive hospitalization, and was not immediately arrested.

The case was presented to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, which, on October 30, 2025, filed formal charges against Quintana for felony DUI causing injury, related felony enhancements, and an arrest warrant was issued. On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Newark Police Department Traffic Officers took Quintana into custody without incident. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

The Newark Police Department would like to thank and recognize the community members who arrived at the scene to render aid, as well as those who provided critical information to the investigators.

“This serious collision was completely preventable,” said Police Chief Jonathan Arguello. “One person’s decision to drive under the influence nearly cost multiple lives. Impaired driving is never just a personal risk, it endangers everyone on the road. The Newark Police Department is committed to preventing these crashes through education, enforcement, and community partnerships. We urge everyone to make the responsible choice: plan ahead, use a designated driver, and never drive impaired.”

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Traffic Officer John Kapu at [email protected] or (510) 578-4941. 

Anonymous tips can be submitted via the Anonymous Tip Hotline at (510) 578-4965.

Media inquiries can be directed to Community Engagement Manager Shobna Sharma via email at [email protected] or by phone at (510) 578-4929.

SEE ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE BY VISITING THIS LINK: http://local.nixle.com/alert/11841515/