Plumas County woman faces DUI, hit-and-run charges

A Plumas County woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly driving under the influence.

At about 6:40 p.m. Saturday, March 20, Gina Magdaleno, 44, of Lake Almanor, was driving her 2004 Ford Escape in Westwood and stopped at the Sierra Gas station, according to a statement from the California Highway Patrol.

“A witness observed her ‘nearly fall out of her car.’ She reported that Magdaleno had trouble walking and reeked of alcohol. This witness told Magdaleno that she was in no condition to drive, and she offered to drive Magdaleno home. Magdaleno refused and got back in her car and drove away toward Hamilton Branch,” the statement alleged.

At about 6:50 p.m., a security camera and several witnesses observed Magdaleno’s 2004 Ford Escape turn from HWY 147 into the Spirit Gas Station near Hamilton branch in Plumas County. The Ford hit a paddle marker and then continued on to hit a parked BMW in the parking lot, according to the statement. After the collision, Magdaleno allegedly fled the scene of the collision.

CHP located Magdaleno at her residence in Plumas County and placed her under arrest for DUI and Hit-and-Run.

“Magdaleno was uncooperative and used a false identity to delay and complicate the investigation, she was later identified by Plumas County Jail using her fingerprints the following day,” the statement alleged.

Magdaleno is facing multiple charges, including DUI, Hit-and-Run, false name, driving without a license, driving without insurance, and having expired registration.