San Diego Drunk Driving Attorney news

An ex-con accused of being under the influence of alcohol and drugs when his SUV slammed into a car in Pala, killing four North County residents, was charged Wednesday with one count of possession of methamphetamine.

Judge Joel Pressman scheduled a Friday arraignment for Anthony Boles, 24, at the Vista Courthouse.

Other charges could be filed in connection with the case, pending the completion of the crash investigation, Deputy District Attorney Brenda Daly said.

Just before midnight Friday, Boles' vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic on state Route 76 and struck a sedan, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Thomas Kerns.

Both vehicles caught fire and landed on their roofs. In the sedan, Escondido residents Jesus DeSantiago, 45, his wife Lina DeSantiago, 46, and Rubi Baez, 46, of Vista, died.

Baez's husband, Luis Baez, 51, was flown to a hospital but later died of his injuries.

Kerns said passers-by pulled Boles and a woman, 23-year-old Deanna Fridley, to safety. Both Palm Springs residents were treated at Palomar Medical Center. Boles has since been released and was booked at the Vista Detention Facility.

Methamphetamine was found in Boles pocket, Kerns said.

Boles had a long criminal history and his license was suspended four days before the crash because he didn't have insurance, according to newspaper reports.

He has prior convictions for driving under the influence, assault with a deadly weapon, and drug possession.

According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, he served only five weekends in jail following his 2006 DUI conviction, but had a device placed in his vehicle that prevents the engine from turning on if alcohol is detected on the breath of the driver.

The SUV in Friday's crash was a different vehicle, however.

The judge set bail at $25,000. Both occupants deny driving.